Jesse Lingard has been asked to stay at Manchester United until the end of the season, interim manager Ralf Rangnick revealed, following Mason Greenwood‘s suspension. 

Greenwood was arrested and questioned on suspicion of rape and assault after a woman posted photos and videos on social media, hinting at domestic violence. the 20-year-old was released on bail on Wednesday. However, United habe said that he will ‘not train with, or play for, the club until further notice’. 

Lingard, who plays in a similar position as Greenwood, will most liekly be affected by the suspension. The 29-year-old wanted to leave United before the end of the January transfer window in search of more playing opportunities. Newcastle and West Ham were reportedly interested in signing the England international.

Also read: Pete Golding of Alabama Crimson Tide arrested on DUI charge

However, Rangnick said that United’s board has changed its stance over Lingard.

“With the window closing Monday evening, in the afternoon the board informed me they would rather want him to stay,” the German coach said. “For me, that was a decision that I could fully understand and accept.

“So, it was two things. One thing was obviously that we had a problem with Mason Greenwood and being without a player for the time being that has played regularly in the last couple of weeks. And on the other hand, the club couldn’t find an agreement with any other club.”

Also read: USMNT one step closer to Qatar 2022 with 3-0 win vs Honduras

Rangnick said Lingard asked for a couple of days off “to clear his head” and would therefore miss United’s match against Middlesbrough in the fourth round of the FA Cup on Friday.

Edinson Cavani will also be missing because he has been granted extended time off in his native Uruguay following its World Cup qualifiers but Paul Pogba could start after recovering from a groin injury.

The France midfielder has been out since November.