SOLSKJAER EXPLAINS LINGARD ABSENCE AGAINST BLADES

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has explained why Jesse Lingard missed United's 3-0 Premier League win over Sheffield United on Wednesday (24 June).

The England international was named as a substitute for the 1-1 draw with Tottenham Hotspur that restarted United’s 2019/20 campaign last Friday, but was not at Old Trafford for our subsequent fixture against the Blades.

Yet Solskjaer cleared that up in an exclusive chat with club media prior to a press conference to preview Saturday’s FA Cup quarter-final with Norwich City.

Thankfully, the 27-year-old has only been suffering with a short illness, which has now been overcome, meaning Lingard could play a part in the game at Carrow Road this weekend.

“Jesse is fine now,” said Ole. “He wasn't feeling well. He was ill so we kept him away for a couple of days but he's fine now, and has had his tests and everything.”

Lingard will be hopeful of gaining his first post-lockdown minutes in East Anglia, having started the Reds’ last two games in the FA Cup, against Tranmere Rovers and Derby County.

The Warrington-born Academy graduate has made 35 appearances so far this season, and was a big part of Premier League successes against Tottenham Hotspur and Manchester City in December.

Solskjaer admitted there were likely to be changes to the starting line-up for the match at Norwich, given the number of matches scheduled over the next couple of months, and Lingard is one of several in contention for a starting berth.

“Jesse has come back after the lockdown with a smile on his face, loads of energy,” Ole added in his press conference.

“Jesse, as you say, has scored vital goals for us and he’s a vital player for us, so let’s see what the future will hold. At the moment he’s looking really sharp and focused.”