SORRY, JESSE, BUT I’M NOT SORRY
Rangnick defends decision to leave Lingard on bench in his final game at Old Trafford
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Amex Stadium: 5.30pm
BY DAVID MCDONNELL
RALF RANGNICK has defended his decision not to hand Jesse Lingard a farewell appearance in Manchester United’s final home game of the season.
Lingard is out of contract this summer and set to leave United, but he was denied the chance to play a part in Monday’s 3-0 win over Brentford.
The 29-year-old was left on the bench by interim boss Rangnick, which prompted his brother, Louie Scott, to launch a scathing attack, branding United “classless.”
Other players leaving, including Juan Mata and Nemanja Matic, started, while Edinson Cavani, who is also going, and Phil Jones, who is likely to depart, came off the bench.
But Rangnick (above) defended his decision not to allow Lingard (right) a farewell appearance in front of the Old Trafford crowd and said it was nothing personal.
“To start with, in the last couple of weeks under my tenure, Jesse has played far more games than he used to,” said Rangnick.
“Secondly, on game day against Chelsea, he asked me to release him from the game and training the following day for personal reasons.
“With only three subs against Brentford, I had to make a decision between Edinson Cavani and Jesse, or the young Alejandro Garnacho, who I would have loved to have brought on and given a chance to play.
“I took the decision to bring on Edinson. Had I not brought on him, someone might have asked if it was classless not to bring on Cavani or Garnacho.
“After two substitutions, you have to make a decision, and this will not be to the liking of everybody, but this is part of the game.
“To be honest, I’m not reading a lot (on social media). I’ve not had the time in the last six months to read.
“I’m not on Instagram, I’m not on Facebook, I’m not engaged in those areas. My entire focus has been to develop the team.
“In these days, with social media, there’s always somebody posting something and it’s important not to take too much notice.”
Marcus Rashford is out of the trip to Brighton with bronchitis. Skipper Harry Maguire is back from injury but Eric Bailly has a back problem and will be assessed.
Rangnick said: “Marcus will be missing. He’s got bronchitis, with a high temperature, so he won’t be part of the group.
“Harry’s back in training and he trained the whole week, so he’ll be available.”