Darren Fletcher has admitted the 'alarm bells started ringing' for him regarding Jesse Lingard's future when the Manchester United attacker appointed Mino Raiola as his agent.
Lingard faces an uncertain future at Old Trafford despite impressing in Tuesday's Carabao Cup win over Luton. Lingard has been linked with a move to Tottenham but the MEN understands those reports are wide of the mark and that Jose Mourinho is prioritising trimming Spurs' squad before the transfer window closes on October 5.
Lingard made 22 appearances in the Premier League under Ole Gunnar Solskjaer last season as he struggled for form amid off-field issues.
Lingard teamed up with Raiola in January and former United midfielder Fletcher believes there is only one reason that happened.
“It’s unknown (Lingard’s future),” Fletcher said on Sky Sports’ coverage of United’s win at Luton. “The alarm bells started ringing for me when he appointed Mino Raiola as his agent. You don’t appoint him as your agent if you’re planning on staying at your club, that suggests you’re looking for a move.
“He’s not a starter for Manchester United in their strongest team, he’s a squad player now. Yes, he’s come through the club, he’s been there for a long time, but maybe he feels like he’s ready for a new challenge and maybe he feels as if he’s at an age now where he needs to be a starter and he can’t be a squad player.
“It will be interesting to see how it happens towards the end of the transfer window.”
