Jesse Lingard told to ‘grow up’ after latest Man United controversy – Mills
Jesse Lingard needs to “grow up” if he is upset he did not get the chance to bid farewell to the Man United fans on Monday night (2 May), according to Danny Mills.
Speaking exclusively to Football Insider, the ex-Man City and Leeds United defender insisted Man United did not owe Lingard anything as “it’s football, not a fairy tale”.
The 29-year-old was an unused substitute in what looks certain to be his final home game for his boyhood club as they comfortably Brentford 3-0 on Monday.
He is out of contract at the end of the season and looks set to end his 22-year association with United.
As relayed by the Athletic on Tuesday (3 May), Lingard’s brother, Louie Scott, took to Instagram to label the club “classless”.
Asked whether the England international has any right to feel upset, Mills told Football Insider correspondent Connor Whitley: “No, it’s football, not a fairy tale.
“If he had decided to leave and sign for Newcastle in January would he have gone on the pitch and thanked all the fans for their support? No.
“If he was retiring and that was the end of his playing days and he was hanging his boots up then, yes, not an issue. I wouldn’t have a problem with that.
“What player who is leaving on a free contract who clearly doesn’t want to stay at the club gets a standing ovation? There’s clearly a financial implication too.
“What do you expect? Look at Paul Pogba, he’s leaving and not got a sending off.
“You might be a little bit disappointed but this is football, grow up.”
In other news, Man United have been tipped to accept a ‘£20million’ Aaron Wan-Bissaka bid after an update.