Manchester United slammed for 'harsh' treatment of Jesse Lingard after Newcastle block

manchestereveningnews.co.uk:

Former England goalkeeper Paul Robinson believes wantaway playmaker Jesse Lingard was "harshly treated" by Manchester United after his January move to Newcastle was blocked.

Ralf Rangnick had allowed the 29-year-old — whose contract expires at the end of the season — to leave on deadline day but Lingard saw his move scuppered.

Newcastle were keen on Lingard, while West Ham also showed an interest though United were unwilling to strengthen the Hammers given they are top four rivals.

"I think it's harsh," Robinson said speaking to Sky Sports.

"Listen, we're not privy to what's gone on but if you believe what you're said led hear then the manager's said you can go and a player of his quality who has been at Man United for so long, it does seem he's been harshly treated.

"They've come out and said now that the deal isn't going to happen so unfortunately for Jesse he has to knuckle down and get into that Manchester United side between now and the end of the season.

"You saw what a different player he was at West Ham, he got a new lease of life, what you may expect to happen to Dele Alli, new surroundings, might feel loved again."

Although Robinson did reason with denying the Hammers' opportunity to snap Lingard up, he added: "I'm so surprised he didn't go in the summer when there was an opportunity to go back to West Ham.

"You can see he loves playing football, he's the type of infectious character you have around the dressing room, loves scoring goals and he looked like he found a home at West Ham.

"I honestly thought he'd end up there in the summer. But, I think it will affect him and it will really test his character now. He'll have to have a strong personality, character to come out and prove the doubters wrong.

"We