If the season ended well due to the health situation getting worse, several Manchester United players would be able to reflect on impressive seasons.
Fred, Aaron Wan-Bissaka and Brandon Williams were among the players who have had particularly strong campaigns.
The one who has had probably the worst of the lot has been Jesse Lingard. In a scenario where the season ended now, his campaign would be reflected on as a disaster, one where he was given the opportunities early on, and blew it.
This is not really designed to have a pop at Lingard, but more so to ask, where does he go from here?
Lingard’s last contribution for United was an assist for Fred in the home win over Club Brugge. This was a rarity on both counts.
He has found it tough to impact games and manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer was seen looking exasperated with him in the away win over City in the Carabao Cup second leg.
His situation speaks volumes that for the recent derby at Old Trafford, Lingard was not even on the bench.
Break can do him good
Bruno Fernandes has shown the standard of player required for United and really this is a level Lingard will struggle to get near.
He has been poor for a year now and faces a fight for his future at the club.
The break can do him good, but it is doubtful Lingard will be a regular starter over the final nine league games if they are played.
There is still a chance he can be a contributor from the bench and another chance to reset and refocus can help Lingard’s efforts to make a difference when he is selected.
The one silver lining
Lingard is one of the potential beneficiaries of Euro 2020 being moved back to Euro 2021.
There was little chance of him making this year’s squad had the tournament gone ahead.
Now he has another year to try and get his form back and re-establish himself for England.
He may have to leave Manchester United in the summer to do so.
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