Manchester United have reportedly recruited experts to help their players deal with negative feedback received on social media.
Old Trafford chiefs are becoming increasingly concerned at the effect trolls are having on their players as the club endures an indifferent campaign on the pitch.
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer told Jesse Lingard to reduce his social media output earlier this month with the England midfielder having a season to forget.
Senior figures at United believe the psychological strain from criticism received on websites such as Instagram and Twitter have had a direct effect on Lingard's form, report ESPN.
Other players to have been targeted include Paul Pogba, Marcus Rashford, Luke Shaw and Phil Jones while executive vice-chairman Ed Woodward has also been the subject of vitriol online.
United are reportedly keen to discuss the issue with rival clubs as well as the game's authorities and want to lead the way by employing dedicated people to help deal with the problem, alongside their team of psychologists.
On Lingard, Solskjaer said: “I don't think you see as much social media from Jesse as you used to,” said Solskjaer.
“He's got his head down and is working hard to gett back to the Jesse I knew.
“Jesse's had his ups and downs, as I've spoken about before, but against Manchester City and Tottenham, they were two games of examples of how important he can be for us in different games.
“We want him back scoring and making assists. No-one runs as much as Jesse, he's a great trigger in the pressing and a lively, bubbly character.”
