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This may be real reason Lingard running down Man United deal - and fans 'won't be happy' - pundit
Jesse Lingard will “run down” his Man United deal in order to “maximise” his potential signing-on fee and wages next summer, according to Alan Hutton.
The former Scotland defender, speaking exclusively to Football Insider, insisted Red Devils fans “won’t be happy” with the 29-year-old if he leaves the club for free.
The Athletic‘s David Ornstein reported on Monday (20 December) that Lingard has chosen to remain at Man United this season amid speculation regarding a potential January switch.
The England international midfielder has just six months remaining on his deal at Old Trafford.
He is free to negotiate a pre-contract agreement with foreign clubs next month.
Hutton suggested that Lingard, 29, is looking for a “last big contract” while at the peak of his powers.
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“The loan move to West Ham got him back out there on the pitch, and back in that England squad,” he told Football Insider‘s Ewan Kingsbury.
“Now that he’s 29, he’ll be looking for that last big contract. It doesn’t really surprise me that he’s wanting to run that contract down at Man United. There will be teams desperate to get him in the summer.
“With no fee involved in the summer, he and his agent can maximise that signing-on fee or his wages, or whatever. I get why he’s doing it, but the Man United fans and board won’t be happy.
“They’re losing a valuable player for free, so that won’t go down too well. But as an ex-footballer, I understand why he’s doing it.”
Lingard has played just 87 minutes of league football for Man United this season.
Clubs including West Ham and Newcastle were reportedly keen to sign the midfielder in January.
In other news, Rangnick holds talks amid a pivotal January signings update at Man United.