Not Pogba – Manchester United lost their own ‘Andres Iniesta’ and Erik ten Hag was left powerless
Despite being compared to Barcelona legend Andres Iniesta, Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag had no say in allowing Jesse Lingard to leave on a free transfer in the summer. Lingard was originally projected to be a major player for Manchester United. He certainly had his moments in a red shirt, helping the team win the FA Cup under Louis van Gaal in 2016 and the Carabao Cup and Europa League the following year under Jose Mourinho. Lingard, on the other hand, did not completely realize his potential at United. René Meulensteen was one of the player's early coaches, and the Dutchman had compared Lingard to Barcelona legend Andres Iniesta back in 2020. "Jesse had numerous loan clubs before returning," he explained at the time. "And I think Louis van Gaal was the manager at the time and Louis was very big on bringing young players through and Jesse got the chance to suddenly play in the first team and so did [Marcus] Rashford. "That is the luck you require, and certain managers can see it. "Jesse, like Iniesta for Barcelona, always had qualities in his game." Lingard was struggling at Manchester United when he was loaned out to West Ham in the January transfer window of 2021. Then he rediscovered his old brilliance with the Hammers, scoring nine goals in 16 Premier League games. He also has four assists and was called up to the England squad as a result of his strong performances. Lingard, on the other hand, didn't get a look in when United's season disintegrated last season. Despite his talent, both Ole Gunnar Solskjaer and Ralf Rangnick were hesitant to deploy the playmaker. Lingard had already chosen to explore a fresh challenge abroad by the time Ten Hag arrived as United manager. Many expected him to return to West Ham after impressing under David Moyes at the London Stadium. "I was having a nightcap before bed," he explained. "I look back now and wonder, 'What was I doing?' But I wanted something to take the edge off the pain and put me at peace. "I was attempting to forget what was happening. Yet, it exacerbates the situation tenfold. When asked if he had lost respect for United over time, he responded: "Most likely, yes. There was no balance, no framework, and people did whatever they wanted. It felt like a free-for-all. "They are so far behind on everything. You may see [Manchester] City's and Tottenham's facilities. Humans are light years ahead. Even in terms of social interaction. In 2017, I approached them about YouTube and suggested that we create content together. "I simply want them to be aware of the latest developments. You must remain relevant. Catch up a little. "You can see what City is doing: new training facilities, no one criticizing the team in the press.
Lingard was originally projected to be a major player for Manchester United.
He certainly had his moments in a red shirt, helping the team win the FA Cup under Louis van Gaal in 2016 and the Carabao Cup and Europa League the following year under Jose Mourinho.
Lingard, on the other hand, did not completely realize his potential at United.
René Meulensteen was one of the player’s early coaches, and the Dutchman had compared Lingard to Barcelona legend Andres Iniesta back in 2020.
“Jesse had numerous loan clubs before returning,” he explained at the time.
“And I think Louis van Gaal was the manager at the time and Louis was very big on bringing young players through and Jesse got the chance to suddenly play in the first team and so did [Marcus] Rashford.
“That is the luck you require, and certain managers can see it.
“Jesse, like Iniesta for Barcelona, always had qualities in his game.”
Lingard was struggling at Manchester United when he was loaned out to West Ham in the January transfer window of 2021.
Then he rediscovered his old brilliance with the Hammers, scoring nine goals in 16 Premier League games.
He also has four assists and was called up to the England squad as a result of his strong performances.
Lingard, on the other hand, didn’t get a look in when United’s season disintegrated last season.
Despite his talent, both Ole Gunnar Solskjaer and Ralf Rangnick were hesitant to deploy the playmaker.
Lingard had already chosen to explore a fresh challenge abroad by the time Ten Hag arrived as United manager.
Many expected him to return to West Ham after impressing under David Moyes at the London Stadium.
“I was having a nightcap before bed,” he explained.
“I look back now and wonder, ‘What was I doing?’ But I wanted something to take the edge off the pain and put me at peace.
“I was attempting to forget what was happening. Yet, it exacerbates the situation tenfold.
When asked if he had lost respect for United over time, he responded: “Most likely, yes. There was no balance, no framework, and people did whatever they wanted. It felt like a free-for-all.
“They are so far behind on everything. You may see [Manchester] City’s and Tottenham’s facilities. Humans are light years ahead. Even in terms of social interaction. In 2017, I approached them about YouTube and suggested that we create content together.
“I simply want them to be aware of the latest developments. You must remain relevant. Catch up a little.
“You can see what City is doing: new training facilities, no one criticizing the team in the press.
