Manchester United midfielder Jesse Lingard is reportedly considering a move to Serie A, with AC Milan interested in his signature.
Lingard has fallen down the pecking order at United recently, with a significant dip in form over the past 18 months resulting in poor seasons this term and last. He was substituted off against Manchester City in January after a disappointing performance, with head coach Ole Gunnar Solskjaer seen expressing his dismay with Lingard on the touchline.
Missing these moments! ? can’t wait to get back in front of these fans again ❤️ Can you guess which game this is? #MUFamily pic.twitter.com/H75A8nkxLs
— Jesse Lingard (@JesseLingard) April 24, 2020
The 27-year-old carried the burden of not registering a Premier League goal or an assist throughout 2019, which has prompted criticism from Manchester United fans and seen his stock plummet from previous seasons.
Considering his drastic downturn form, Manchester United are said to be willing to let Lingard leave the club this summer. While 90min understands that Lingard won't be forced out of the club, it has left him evaluating his options going forward, one of which could be Serie A.
Lingard has remained in regular contact with former teammates Chris Smalling and Ashley Young, with the former joining AS Roma on loan from United last summer in similar circumstances to Lingard, while Young headed to Inter in January. The midfielder is 'greatly tempted' by a move to the Italian top flight according to the Independent, having asked Smalling and Young what Italy is like.
Milan are one club who are said to be interested in Lingard's signature. The Rossoneri have endured a downward spiral of their own in recent years, falling from Serie A royalty to mid-table mediocrity in a matter of years.
Despite once being a fan favourite at United, famously scoring a brace against Arsenal and proceeding to 'Milly Rock' at the Emirates in December 2017, Lingard's recent form has seen him subject to heavy criticism from the Old Trafford faithful.
A move abroad might just be the spark he needs as he faces a career crossroads, but with United in no rush to sell him and the impending effects of the coronavirus on the summer transfer window, he could yet stay in Manchester for another season.
Source: 90min
