Lingard Deal Dangerous For United

Jesse Lingard has signed a lucrative new deal at Manchester United but is he worth it?

Lingard last week sealed a fresh four-year contract - with the option of a further year - at Old Trafford but the Sunday Supplement panel debated the merits of a deal that will reportedly treble the 24-year-old's wages to around £100,000 a week.

The forward has been restricted to 13 Premier League starts under Jose Mourinho and the Daily Mirror's John Cross admitted surprise at United's offer, suggesting it could set a "dangerous" precedent.

"United have set such a high watermark with some of their stellar names," Supplement guest Cross said.

"Lingard does play in some of the big games, he does play for England, he does play cup finals; he is a good player but is not one that gets you on the edge of your seat enough.

"I am surprised. Fair play to his representatives. It does seem an awful lot of money for a player who has not established himself as an absolute star.

"What is he in the United pecking order? He is not a certain starter. It sets this tone that if United are paying £100,000-a-week for a squad player, what must the rest think?

"He will be meeting up with the England players - the likes of Harry Kane and Danny Rose, who are absolutely integral - earning much less and doing more for their teams.

"United have always been quite cautious with their contracts, but now this sets a dangerous watermark, and some of their players who are more essential will be knocking on the door soon."

Mourinho welcomed the news of Lingard's extended stay, telling the club's official website: "Jesse has good intelligence which, when combined with his energy and ability, makes for a player with a great future ahead of him.

"Jesse is a popular member of the squad and I am delighted he has signed a new contract."

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