Manchester United value Jesse Lingard at £40million. For a player who has no Premier League goals or assists in over a year, that’s absolutely ludicrous.
Related articles Man Utd change Pogba price and pick Real Madrid star they want Man Utd boss Solskjaer requires action from the Glazers on vital deal READ MORE Man Utd owners the Glazers have perfect reason to sell up There came a time where Lingard was once viewed as a player capable of propelling United to silverware aplenty.
When he was strutting his stuff in the reserves, he was impressive. Sir Alex Ferguson always thought he would go on to achieve big things within the game and Louis van Gaal, who gave him his Old Trafford debut in 2014, thought the same.
But, nearly six years on from his first United start, Lingard is now a divisive figure at Old Trafford.
One one hand, he loves being there. He loves being a United player, having grown up supporting them.
There’s a picture on his Instagram of him as a child, sporting the club’s jersey with a great big smile on his face.
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Man Utd star Jesse Lingard's transfer value is £40million at Old Trafford (Image: GETTY) Related articles Man Utd: Greenwood’s family offered huge amounts for player to leave Man Utd boss Solskjaer picks perfect transfer for Rashford and Martial That’s another thing in his favour. He smiles a lot. He gives off positive vibes which, for a club who have sorely lost their way in the years since Ferguson’s retirement, is most welcome.
But then there’s the other side to his game.
Lingard hasn’t developed into the player many thought he would be. The United star hasn’t managed a Premier League goal or assist in over a year, now.
His social media presence makes him divisive, too. His crude pre-season message on the platform saw him punished by Solskjaer.
Now, United are planning to offer the England international to Leicester in exchange for James Maddison, who has his admirers at board level and within the club’s coaching setup.
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Man Utd would love to seal James Maddison transfer (Image: GETTY) Related articles Man Utd boss Solskjaer changes Maddison and Grealish transfer plan Man Utd stance on Fernandes with Sporting star’s advisors hopeful READ MORE How Man Utd could line up if Ed Woodward seals three free transfers But to think Lingard is worth £40m is absolutely insane.
Solskjaer rates the 27-year-old for his movement and footballing brain.
But he’s not up to scratch. Even Juan Mata, at four years his senior, represents a more potent threat in the United attack.
There are so many playmakers out there who are better than Lingard.
Maddison is one of those - hence the interest. Signing him from Leicester won’t be easy but, with six goals and three assists this season, he represents a substantial upgrade to anything the Red Devils currently have.
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Man Utd star Jesse Lingard hasn't scored or assisted in the Premier League for over a year (Image: GETTY) As well as the Foxes playmaker, United also admire Jack Grealish. He’s another they feel has the creative ability required to be an Old Trafford hit.
And, even though he prefers a move to Spain, Christian Eriksen also outshines Lingard in every department.
There’s surely no chance of United getting £40m for the England international.
To put things into perspective, they accepted £42m for Angel Di Maria albeit back in 2015. The Argentine is significantly better - not that it needs saying.
If someone is willing to pay it, then fair play. But they won’t be.
