Ralf Rangnick insists Jesse Lingard was given time off last week because HE raised ‘personal issues’ – after the player claimed the club TOLD him to take a few days away when a deadline day move failed to materialise

Ralf Rangnick has tried to draw a line under his dispute with Jesse Lingard after confirming that the England international and Edinson Cavani will return to Manchester United’s squad at Burnley on Tuesday night.

Cavani asked for more time off to stay in Uruguay after playing a World Cup qualifier last week, and missed Friday’s shock FA Cup defeat to Middlesbrough.

Lingard was also absent but there was confusion over the reasons why after Rangnick claimed that he had asked for time off to ‘clear his mind’ following United’s decision not to allow him out on loan in the January transfer window. 

Lingard responded on social media by saying his ‘head space is clear’, suggesting that United had chosen to give him the time off.

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Having doubled down on his side of the story after the Boro game, Rangnick tried to smooth over the issue on Monday but revealed that Lingard had raised some ‘personal issues’ in their discussions.

Asked about Lingard and Cavani, United’s interim boss said: ‘They are both available and will both be part of the squad for tomorrow’s game at Burnley.  

‘Both are top professionals and both have been training well

‘With regard to Jesse, I have a very good relationship with him. 

‘He knows I would have been willing to let him go at least until the issue with Mason (Greenwood) came up and all the other things we have spoken about. 

‘He mentioned some personal issues but again we have to look forward now.

‘There are no problems with myself and Jesse and vice-versa. 

‘I am happy to have him in the squad and he will be a member of the squad for tomorrow’s game.’