Ole Gunnar Solskjaer explains why Jesse Lingard was dropped for Watford game

Manchester United manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has said that the decision to drop Jesse Lingard from the matchday squad was a tactical decision rather than related to his recent performances.

The England international has struggled in the Premier League over the past 14 months and has failed to contribute a single goal for the club playing in an attacking role.

As such, there had been claims that Lingard was dropped for the Watford game due to his average performances but Solskjaer has indicated that he just wanted options from different departments on the bench.

"Well we picked a squad of 18 that we felt was the right 18 here. We have got cover on the bench; wide men, forwards, midfielders, and defenders. That was the decision I made," he told via BBC Sport.

Lingard's current deal with United is due to expire at the end of next season but the club have the option to extend his stay for another 12 months if required.

He was linked with a possible move to AC Milan during the January transfer window and it appears likely that he could head through the exit door at the end of the campaign.