Jesse Lingard has signed a new four-year contract with Manchester United with the option of an extra year, the club have confirmed.
The England forward has agreed a deal that will tie him to Old Trafford until June 2021, although there is the option of a further year. It is thought his salary will increase to around £100,000 a week.
While details of Lingard’s earnings have not been mentioned in the club’s official statement, they confirmed that he has committed his future to the Red Devils after stories emerging today.
Sky Sports claimed earlier that the 24-year-old had seen his wages go up to a staggering £100,000 per week, which led to a mixed reaction at best from United fans on social media.
Still, Jose Mourinho was full of praise for Lingard after tying him down, saying: “Jesse has been with the club since the age of seven. 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.”
Michael Carrick could be the next to follow with talks over a 12-month contract extension continuing.
United manager Mourinho would like the midfielder, 35, who has a testimonial in June to mark his 11-year association with the club, to stay until the end of next season, after which he could retire.
Lingard scored in United’s FA Cup triumph under Louis van Gaal last season and February’s League Cup final victory over Southampton and is confident Mourinho will deliver more success at the club.
“Manchester United has always been a big part of my life,” Lingard said. “I have been with the club since the age of seven and I feel great pride every time I pull the shirt on. To have scored in two cup finals for my boyhood club were immensely proud moments for me and my family.”
Lingard was one of the forwards Mourinho criticised for not scoring enough after Saturday’s goalless draw at home to West Bromwich Albion but is pleased the 24-year-old has committed his future.
Lingard himself added that he was eager to carry on winning major trophies with United after playing a key part in their most recent two cup final wins.
“As a team, we have already won a major trophy this season and I look forward to helping us win many more under this great manager. I would like to say a special thank you to the fans for the great support they have always given me and the team.”
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