This really doesn’t come as a surprise
Paul Scholes has revealed that Manchester United midfielder Jesse Lingard has told him that the atmosphere in the club’s dressing room is “a disaster.”
Scholes made the comments after United were beaten 3-1 by Arsenal on Saturday to all but confirm they will not be playing in next season’s Champions League.
Goals from Nuno Tavares and Bukayo Saka gave Arsenal an early two-goal lead before Cristiano Ronaldo swiftly halved the deficit for United.
Bruno Fernandes struck the post with a second half penalty for United, who were later made to pay for missing the chance to equalise when Granit Xhaka fired home a third goal from distance.
Xhaka wasn’t even shooting. Still livid at giving away that free-kick and accidentally smashed it in the goal pic.twitter.com/2Fxxxa7rmC
— FootballJOE (@FootballJOE) April 23, 2022
Ten Hag has a big task on his hand to sort out the dressing room
With Erik ten Hag preparing to take over in the summer, it is expected there will be a mass exodus at Old Trafford as the Dutchman prepares for a major rebuild.
One of Ten Hag’s biggest tasks will be to instil a positive atmosphere at the dressing room in comparison to the current state of affairs.
Scholes revealed while on punditry for DAZN that he had spoken to Lingard – one of those expected to be moved on – who confirmed (to nobody’s surprise) that the atmosphere is a disaster.
“I had a quick chat with Jesse the other day,” the former United midfielder said.
“I’m sure he won’t mind me saying — the dressing room is just a disaster.”
Paul Scholes: "I had a quick chat with Jesse [Lingard] there. I’m sure he won’t mind me saying, the dressing room is just a disaster.” #mulive [@DAZN_CA] pic.twitter.com/jagkNTdmOM
— utdreport (@utdreport) April 23, 2022
United fans accuse Lingard of being dressing room leak
Scholes’ comments prompted several United fans to accuse Lingard as being one of the players to leak information from inside the United camp over the course of the season.
United’s miserable season has been punctuated with talk of various members of the first team squad leaking information to the press, with Gary Neville suggesting a few weeks ago that he knew which players were responsible.
Always knew Lingard was the leak.
— James Stretford (@Jamesstretford) April 23, 2022
Not a good look this, for Lingard. #Leak https://t.co/OCc3G9LSuu
— AIK (@Aik_Mufc) April 23, 2022
Is Lingard really one of the leaks… Disappointed. #Lingard #mufc #manunited
— Felicia (@feliciaaa2003) April 23, 2022
Several reports have emerged about the state of the United dressing room
Reports throughout the season have suggested that there have been several rifts between United players – most focusing on the role of leadership.
The decision to keep Harry Maguire as captain in particular has caused controversy, with some believing he should be relinquished of the role and replaced.
Meanwhile others have also become frustrated at the lack of playing time. Lingard is one of those and was denied a move away from Old Trafford in the January transfer window.
Some players have already announced that they will not be staying at the club beyond the end of the season. Nemanja Matic publicly announced his exit from United and is expected to be joined alongside the likes of Paul Pogba, Lingard, Juan Mata and more.
Related links:
- Man United denied penalty in first half against Arsenal despite handball
- Harry Maguire was ‘told to quit Man United’ during bomb threat
- Man Utd players said to be ‘ambivalent’ and ‘underwhelmed’ by Erik ten Hag appointment
