Jesse Lingard makes ruthless decision after Paul Scholes' X-rated blast

13 January 2024 , 14:22

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Paul Scholes recently criticised Jesse Lingard (Image: TNT Sports)

Jesse Lingard has sacked his agents, having failed to find a new club since leaving Nottingham Forest last July.

Lingard, 31, was in the England squad as recently as 2021 but is currently struggling to find the right opportunity. He was recently criticised by Paul Scholes, who asked him: "Are you just gonna f*** about in the gym or are you gonna actually play football?"

Lingard will aim to do the latter this month, with the transfer window open. The former Manchester United star has been linked with a move to Everton, although an overseas switch to either Major League Soccer or the Saudi Pro League seems more likely. His last professional appearance was a two-minute cameo against the Red Devils in April 2023.

According to Sky Sports News, Lingard has severed ties with his representatives in the hope of finding a new club. A source close to the player has revealed his determination to play professionally again and his disappointment at not securing a contract sooner.

Lingard was one of the most exciting players in the Premier League, but his career now looks in doubt. He graduated from United's academy after winning the FA Youth Cup in 2011 alongside the likes of Paul Pogba, Ravel Morrison and Sam Johnstone.

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Lingard went on to play more than 200 games for the Red Devils and famously scored the winner in the 2016 FA Cup final against Crystal Palace. He also won the League Cup, Community Shield and Europa League during his time at Old Trafford.

Lingard is struggling to find a new football club (Getty Images)

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Yet he struggled for minutes towards the end of his contract at United. The winger joined West Ham on loan in January 2021 after failing to make a single appearance during the first half of that season, a move which seemed to rejuvenate his career.

Lingard scored nine goals in 16 Premier League games - winning the division's Player of the Month award in April 2021 - to remind England boss Gareth Southgate of his ability. He returned to the national side that year to win the most recent of his 32 caps.

Lingard became a free agent in July 2022 and was widely expected to join West Ham on a permanent deal, but he decided to sign for Forest on a one-year contract instead. That move backfired, as he was released after failing to score in 17 league games.

The player has since trained with Steven Gerrard's Al-Ettifaq in Saudi Arabia and been linked with a switch to the United States, but nothing has materialised yet. According to talkSPORT, Everton are considering handing Lingard a six-month contract.

Tom Blow