Ole Gunner Solskjaer explains the absence of Man United star

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has revealed why the Manchester United star has been missing from first-team action this season.

It has been almost three months since Jesse Lingard made an appearance for Manchester United and the English international has featured in only 2 matches this season with his last game being the win against Brighton and Hove Albion in the Carabao Cup, the competition where he has made both his appearances.

Lingard is set to make a return to United’s squad in their Carabao Cup quarter-final match against Everton, although with just 6 months remaining in his contract, it might the last chance for the midfielder to convince the manager that he still is a valuable asset to the team.

United still hold the option of extending the 28-year old’s contract for another year but the officials at Old Trafford might be looking to find him another club soon, with Sheffield United reportedly interested in taking him on loan.

As reported by Manchester Evening News, Solskjaer in a recent interview has confirmed the inclusion of Jesse Lingard in the squad:

"“Jesse will be in the squad, yeah.“He’s been working hard in training. He’s been unfortunate with having to isolate a few times, been in contact, or close contact with Covid, not even having it himself.“He’s been very unlucky being away from the training ground a few times. He works really hard and he’ll be involved in the squad, definitely, on Wednesday.”"

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It is undeniable that the Englishman has lost his form and breaking into Solskjaer’s plans is going to be difficult amidst such fierce competition in the squad with the likes of Mason Greenwood, Daniel James and Donny Van de Beek already sitting on the bench for a potential spot in the starting XI.

With Edinson Cavani out with an injury, Solskjaer has also confirmed that Mason Greenwood will definitely be a part of his plans in the match against Everton, which will be a perfect opportunity for them to gear up for the Boxing Day match against Leicester City.

No matter what happens against Everton, Lingard’s future will most probably still remain uncertain at Old Trafford. He is nowhere near Solskjaer’s first-team plans at this point of time and it will take a gigantic effort from him to even enter that picture considering the players ahead of him in the pecking order.