Ralf Rangnick has handed Jesse Lingard a rare Manchester United Premier League start against Leeds this afternoon.
It is the first time the German has picked Lingard from the start in a league game since he took over as United’s interim boss.
It is actually Lingard’s first Premier League start for United since January 2020, although he has of course begun games in the division for West Ham on loan last season.
Speaking to MUTV before the game, Rangnick was asked to explain his decision, on a day when he has also brought Aaron Wan-Bissaka back into the side at right-back.
“They have played against Leeds (before),” said Rangnick of Lingard and Wan-Bissaka. “(They bring) experience.
“Jesse just looked sharp in training. He’s got a lot of experience and can cover the pitch; hopefully score goals, that’s also what he did in training.
“That’s why he deserved the chance to play from the start. He just behaved as a professional should behave and that is why he deserves to play from the start today.”
It is an opportunity for Lingard to remind Rangnick what he can do and he looks set to play in one of the two wide areas.
Jadon Sancho has been doing better on the left lately so it seems more likely Lingard will play on the right and that means it is a new-look right flank for Rangnick today.
There is also an element of rotation likely here with Atletico Madrid coming up in just four days time and it is to be hoped that Lingard takes his chance well.
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