Lingard wasn't even on the pitch at the time
Manchester United's Jesse Lingard has revealed what was shouted to him by a fan while he was warming up during his side's 5-0 thrashing against Liverpool.
It was an embarrassing performance from the Red Devils who found themselves 4-0 down by the end of the first half and were subjected to a chorus of boos from the home support at Old Trafford.
As soon as Mohamed Salah scored his third and Liverpool's fifth early into the second 45, frustrations well and truly started to boil over both and off the pitch.
Paul Pogba was shown a straight red for a foul on Naby Keita and those fans that remained let the players know their feelings.
One player who was subject to harsh words was Lingard - who didn't actually play a minute of football on Sunday - as he warmed up, and the midfielder has revealed what was shouted at him after a video went viral.
In the video, Lingard can be seen replying to the anger of the fans by saying, “I’m not even on the pitch”
https://twitter.com/utdreport/status/1452323146900688899
Many thought this was a response to abuse being directed towards the 28-year-old, showcasing just how toxic it had become, but Lingard cleared the confusion on his Twitter to confirm that he had received no negative comments.
He said: "It wasn't abuse! he said 'work harder' like I'm not already doing that day in day out! and I said 'I'm not even on the pitch' end of!!
https://twitter.com/JesseLingard/status/1452368048665546762
While Lingard wasn't involved on the pitch, those who did play a role in the humiliating loss had to come out and face the music as they announced their apologies in public.
Captain Harry Maguire appeared in front of the media post-match on Sky Sports to apologise for the United performance saying: "First and foremost-apologies to the fans. That's no way near good enough for this club.
https://twitter.com/SkySportsPL/status/1452336629654474756
"As a player, I know I'll be looking at myself and my individual performance. Then as a team, I'm the captain of this club and I lead the boys and we've got to come together, we've got to stick together."
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer also made an appearance in front of the media, calling it his darkest day as United manager, but insisting that he and his squad had 'come too far' and are 'too close to give up now'.
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