JESSE LINGARD has slammed Manchester United in a blistering attack, claiming he was sold “false promises” and that his axing may have been “political.”
The 30-year-old left United when his contract expired last summer before joining Nottingham Forest on a free transfer.
Lingard found himself frozen out of the team by former boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer.
And he ended up playing just 16 times in the league before walking out on the Red Devils.
Lingard had been expecting to see more action after nine goals in a brief loan spell at West Ham.
However, the 32-time England international claims he was sold a dream by Solskjaer upon his return to United, who initially promised game time before ignoring him completely.
READ MORE ON MAN UTD
And Lingard adds he was never told why he was not featuring for his boyhood club, questioning whether his omissions were to do with dressing room politics after also being unused by Ralf Rangnick.
Lingard told the Telegraph: “I don’t know why I wasn’t playing. I don’t know what the problem was, whether it was politics or whatever.
“I still haven’t got an answer to this day. I didn’t even ask.
“I’d rather that someone out of respect for me being there that long told me ‘this is why you’re not playing’, but I never got that.
Most read in Football
BETTING SPECIAL – BEST FOOTBALL BETTING SITES IN THE UK
“It was false promises. I was training hard and I was sharp, I was ready to play them games.
“When you’re working hard in training and don’t play at the end of it, it’s very frustrating.
“I had to grind out that last year because I knew I’d be on a free.
“I’m not really the type of guy to sulk, around the dressing room I’m always that bubbly character with good vibes.
“I was getting on with my training and doing my work, then here and there I’d come on and try to give my best. The last year was difficult.”
Lingard scored 36 goals in 232 games for United after joining as an eight-year-old in 2000.
He made his senior debut in 2014 under Louis van Gaal and went on to win an FA Cup, League Cup and Europa League.
Lingard also won 32 caps for England, scoring six times, with his last appearance coming over a year ago.
Read More on The Sun
Since joining Forest in the summer, Lingard is yet to hit the target in 13 league appearances.
And with his contract expiring next year, it remains to be seen if he remains at the City Ground, especially if Forest get relegated.
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
