Prospects are handed lucrative contracts every week in football.
More often than not, the deal is signed without a peep from supporters, which is what makes the outrage over Jesse Lingard’s new contract all the more bizarre.
The 24-year-old signed a four-year deal with Manchester United on Thursday, which saw his wages treble to £100,000 a week.
“Jesse has been with the club since the age of seven,” manager Jose Mourinho told the club’s website.
“He has good intelligence which, when combined with his energy and ability, makes for a player with a great future ahead of him.
“Jesse is a popular member of the squad and I am delighted he has signed a new contract.”
But the significant raise left many United supporters questioning what the winger had done to warrant such a boost to his bank account.
ESPN’s Mark Ogden made the split among supporters roughly 70/30, with the majority of fans unhappy about the deal for Lingard.
And when Ogden pointed out that the player, who has made 70 appearances for the Red Devils, divided opinion, United legend Gary Neville felt it necessary to back the youngster.
Who does he divide opinion with? https://t.co/zGXFLtyACh
— Gary Neville (@GNev2) April 7, 2017
United fans ? https://t.co/1Mh56mWbxD
— Gary Neville (@GNev2) April 7, 2017
Well they are today. Not sure about yesterday or tomorrow, but yeah, United fans…
— Mark Ogden (@MarkOgden_) April 7, 2017
They aren't United fans really. They can't be if they are against a kid that's been at the club since he was 7. https://t.co/5r0hY1h8Ag
— Gary Neville (@GNev2) April 7, 2017
Mmmmm no. Give every kid that's been there a long time a contract if the manager agrees? https://t.co/ze329Z9a61
— Gary Neville (@GNev2) April 7, 2017
https://twitter.com/Nikhil_Saglani/status/850281380047200257
Two separate points.
1.Jose gave him the contract? Have a go at him?
2. Homegrown lad being selected for the first team. Get behind him! https://t.co/2yRKsAjXYa— Gary Neville (@GNev2) April 7, 2017
Neville came up through United’s famous Class of ’92 so he would be expected to defend homegrown Manchester United players but his argument does make sense that nobody should be criticising Lingard for simply accepting more money.
Anyone would.
It was the manager’s decision and if he felt it appropriate to increase Lingard’s wages, then surely Mourinho should be the target for any ridicule rather than the player himself.
