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Marcus Rashford, Jesse Lingard 'could be handed Manchester United lifelines'

By Matt Law, Football Editor | 01 May 2022

Rashford, Lingard 'could be handed Man United lifelines'

Marcus Rashford and Jesse Lingard could be given the chance to reignite their Manchester United careers under Erik ten Hag, according to a report.

Marcus Rashford and Jesse Lingard could reportedly be given the opportunity to reignite their Manchester United careers under incoming head coach Erik ten Hag.

Rashford's future has been the subject of much speculation in recent months, with the England international struggling to make his mark during the 2021-22 campaign.

Meanwhile, Lingard has found it difficult to break into the starting XI this term despite enjoying a productive loan spell at West Ham United in the second half of last season.

Lingard's contract at Old Trafford is due to expire at the end of June, but according to The Sun, the playmaker could be handed a fresh deal if Ten Hag decides that he wants to keep hold of him.

The report claims that Rashford - strongly linked with a switch to Barcelona in recent weeks - has already been told that he will have the opportunity to make his mark under the new manager next term.

Manchester United's Marcus Rashford celebrates scoring against Tottenham Hotspur on October 30, 2021 © Reuters

The forward has managed just five goals and two assists in 32 appearances at club level this season, while he has not found the back of the net in the Premier League since the end of January.

The 24-year-old's contract at Old Trafford is due to expire next term, but the Red Devils have the option of activating a one-year extension, while there have been suggestions of a new deal for the attacker.

Lingard, meanwhile, is said to be open to performing a U-turn and penning a new contract with the 20-time English champions depending on his discussions with Ten Hag.

The 29-year-old has contributed just two goals and one assist in 22 appearances for Man United this season, but the bulk of his outings this term have come off the bench.

Lingard has only actually started two Premier League matches this term and is believed to be disappointed that he has not been given more of an opportunity after impressing at West Ham in the second half of last season.

The attacker scored nine times and registered five assists in 16 appearances for the Hammers before returning to Old Trafford, and the capital outfit, in addition to Newcastle United, are said to be keen to sign him on a free transfer this summer.

Manchester United's Jesse Lingard reacts, December 8, 2021 © Reuters

In total, Lingard has netted 35 goals and registered 21 assists in 232 appearances for Man United in all competitions, with his most productive season coming in 2017-18, when he scored 13 times and registered seven assists in 48 outings.

Incoming Red Devils boss Ten Hag is reportedly preparing to hold one-on-one talks with all of the players in the first-team squad at the club over the next couple of weeks.

"Ten Hag has let it be known he wants to speak with him and if he gives him the assurances he needs, Jesse could be persuaded to stay. United is his club and he's never wanted to leave," The Sun quotes a source as saying.

Lingard was not involved in Thursday's Premier League clash with Chelsea due to personal reasons, but Rashford played 79 minutes of the 1-1 draw at Old Trafford.

Both players will hope to feature in their team's final three Premier League games of the campaign against Brentford, Brighton & Hove Albion and Crystal Palace.