Every word Ralf Rangnick said on Man Utd team news, Jesse Lingard’s future and Paul Pogba’s return

The Manchester United interim manager also gave updates on Victor Lindelof, Eric Bailly, Alex Telles and Edinson Cavani.
Watch more of our videos on Shots! 
and live on Freeview channel 276
Visit Shots! now

There was no shortage of topics to ask Ralf Rangnick about during Thursday’s pre-match press conference, ahead of Manchester United’s FA Cup-fourth round fixture against Middlesbrough.

The German was asked about the transfer market, Jesse Lingard’s situation, whether Mason Greenwood’s suspension had an impact on him remaining at the club, the latest team news ahead of Middlesbrough, and his view on Amad, Donny van de Beek and Anthony Martial leaving on loan.

Here are the main parts of Rangnick’s press conference.

Ralf Ragnick spoke to the press on Thursday afternoon. Credit: Getty.Ralf Ragnick spoke to the press on Thursday afternoon. Credit: Getty.
Ralf Ragnick spoke to the press on Thursday afternoon. Credit: Getty.

Lingard remains at United...

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

“Three weeks ago Jesse didn’t want to leave and then he changed his mind. I had a chat with him 10 days ago and I could fully understand why and that he wanted to leave to get game-time for his future, also for the World Cup.

“I said at the time that if he finds a club that he would like to play for, and also if the club finds a solution with our club, I would let him go and allow him to leave. Obviously with all the development we had in the last couple of days, things changed a little bit. On the other hand, we also had no agreement with any other club and at one stage we had to make a final decision together with the board and we decided to keep Jesse until the end of the season.”

Jesse Lingard isn’t leaving Manchester United any time soon. Credit: Getty.Jesse Lingard isn’t leaving Manchester United any time soon. Credit: Getty.
Jesse Lingard isn’t leaving Manchester United any time soon. Credit: Getty.

Did Greenwood’s suspension have an impact on Lingard staying?

“In a way, yes. But in the end, the club and the board told me that they couldn’t find an agreement with any of those clubs that were interested in him. With the window closing on Monday evening, for me, the board informed me in the afternoon that they would want him to stay, and that was a decision I could fully understand.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

“It was two things; one thing was obviously that we had the problem with Mason Greenwood and being without a player who has played regularly for the last couple of weeks. On the other hand, the club couldn’t find an agreement with another club.”

Amad has already scored for Rangers. Credit: Getty.Amad has already scored for Rangers. Credit: Getty.
Amad has already scored for Rangers. Credit: Getty.

View of the transfer market and loanees...

“As I said earlier on, I thought the group was slightly too big, we had too many players, and too many players not getting regular game-time.  This is why I am happy, not only for the club and for ourselves, but for the players.

“I think players like Donny, Anthony and Amad, they deserve to get regular game-time. I wish them all the very best. I was in contact with all three players - Amad has already played and scored in his first game. I’m pretty sure Anthony and Donny will do well at Everton and Sevilla, and they hopefully come back in the summer in good form.”

Team news for Boro...

“Paul [Pogba] will be part of the group, he might even be in the starting XI. There are still a couple of players missing out.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

“Edi Cavani will return at the weekend. He contacted me a week ago and asked me if he could have two more days at home. I allowed him because I knew he couldn’t be in the starting XI anyway because of jetlag with only coming back today or last night.

“He won’t be part of the group. Victor Lindelof has been ill all week and not training, so he will also miss out on tomorrow’s game. The same is true of Jesse, he asked me and the club if we could give him a couple of days away just so he could clear up his mind. He will be back in the group from next Monday, back for training and then part of the regular squad again.

“Eric Bailly, he came back yesterday, he has problems with a swollen ankle and will not be part of the squad for tomorrow. All of the other players will be available. Luke will be back. He will probably play from the beginning because Alex Telles only came back last night. He played for Brazil on Wednesday for 90 minutes.”