Manchester United boss Ralf Rangnick has confirmed that it was the club's decision to block Jesse Lingard from leaving following Mason Greenwood's arrest. Greenwood was released on bail this week, pending further investigations, after being arrested on suspicion of rape, assault and threats to kill and United have since reiterated that he won't train or play until further notice.
Ralf Rangnick says Jesse Lingard had a change of heart (Image: GETTY)
He said: “In a way, yes, but the club told me, the board told me, they couldn't find an agreement with any clubs interested in him.
“With the window closing on Monday evening, the board informed me they would rather he stayed, which I could understand and accept.
“We had a problem with Mason Greenwood and [so it was] being without a player for the time being, who hasn't played in weeks and the club not finding an agreement with another club.”
Lingard faced some criticism for his decision not to push for a transfer away from United last summer following his successful loan spell at West Ham.
But reports indicated that he wanted to stay and fight for his place, and Rangnick insists that attitude hadn't changed into the New Year.
Lingard only informed Rangnick of his desire to leave United in the final few days of the transfer window.
“Three weeks ago, Jesse didn't want to leave, then he changed his mind," Rangnick added.
“I had a chat with him 10 days ago and I could fully understand why he wanted to leave, to get game time for his future and the World Cup.
“I told him if he finds a club and the club find a solution with our club, I would allow him to leave, then with all the developments, things changed.
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Mason Greenwood has since been released on bail (Image: GETTY)
“We also had no agreement with any other club, so we had to take a final decision as the board and keep Jesse until the end of the season.”
Anthony Martial, Donny van de Beek and Amad all secured loan moves away from Old Trafford and Rangnick hopes they will be given ample minutes at their new clubs.
“The group was slightly too big, we had too many players not seeing the chance to get regular playing time,” Rangnick said.
“Donny, Anthony, and Amad deserve regular game time and I wish them all the best."