Jesse Lingard has denied Ralf Rangnick's claims that he asked for time off to 'clear his head' after his Manchester United exit was not granted, by saying his 'headspace is clear' and is available for action.
The England international asked to leave Old Trafford on loan this week but United refused to let him go on deadline day, despite Rangnick agreeing to the midfielder's departure early on Monday.
But Lingard has admitted he is unavailable for the club's FA Cup fourth round tie against Middlesbrough on Friday due to 'personal reasons' and has hit out at United's interim manager for not telling the truth about his absence.
The midfielder revealed in a tweet on Thursday night: 'The club advised me to have time off due to personal reasons! But my headspace is clear and I’ll always be professional when called upon and give 100 percent.'
Sportsmail revealed on deadline day that West Ham and Newcastle were interested in signing Lingard earlier this week - with the midfielder looking for more game time after being limited to just nine Premier League outings for United this season.
But the Red Devils refused to let Lingard leave due to Mason Greenwood's arrest on suspicion of rape, sexual assault and threats to kill, with the 20-year-old England forward suspended from club duty or training despite his release on bail.
When interim boss Rangnick asked if Greenwood's scenario impacted Lingard's immediate future on deadline day, he replied: 'Yes, in a way. It was two things: one thing was obviously that we had a problem with Mason Greenwood and being without a player for the time being who has played regularly in the last couple of weeks.
'On the other hand, the club couldn't find an agreement with any other club (for Lingard). The board told me they couldn't find an agreement with any clubs interested in him.
'With the window closing on Monday evening, the board informed me they would rather he stay and that is something I fully understand.'
Rangnick then told reporters that Lingard was unavailable for this weekend's cup tie with Championship side Middlesbrough as he requested some time off following the disappointment of not getting a loan away - which the 29-year-old has now refuted.
'Lindelof has been ill the whole week and hasn't trained,' the German claimed. 'Same with Jesse, he asked to have a few days off to clear his mind. He will be back next week and part of the whole squad again.'
Lingard is not the only player to accuse Rangnick of lying about their own availability, as Anthony Martial hit back at the German for claiming he refused to play for the Red Devils in their 2-2 draw at Aston Villa last month.
The French forward, who departed on loan to Sevilla before the end of the transfer window, was accused to refusing to travel to the Midlands for their Premier League encounter, which the striker completely denied.
More to follow.