Manchester United could be set to replace Juan Mata with Jesse Lingard
According to ESPN (h/t Caught Offside), Jesse Lingard may yet have a future at Manchester United.
The 28-year-old has hit the ground running on loan at West Ham United. Lingard has made four appearances for the Hammers so far, scoring three and assisting one. (h/t Transfermarkt)
A regular at United under Louis van Gaal and Mourinho, Lingard never achieved the same level of success under Ole Gunnar Solskjaer. He originally spent the season as a bit-part player before leaving on loan last January.
With Juan Mata’s contract set to expire in the summer, United have a decision to make. The Red Devils do have the option to extend the deal by another year but whether they are willing to do that remains to be seen.
If the 32-year-old is moved on, his spot in the squad could be taken up by Lingard. Given his current form, one cannot begrudge Lingard the opportunity.
However, Mata too has played a backup role this season and replacing him will hardly make Lingard a regular in the years to come. The 28-year-old is in his prime and is resurrecting a career that looked lost just months ago.
Lingard, in his defence, is not a world-beater. However, he has shown that he can thrive under the right manager. So far, Solskajer has shown that he either does not know how to get the best out of the player or does not rate him enough.
Leicester City are the latest side linked with a move for Lingard. The Foxes are set to keep a keen eye on his development this season before deciding on a bid in the summer. (h/t Eurosport)
More Manchester United News
- Manchester United sent scouts to watch Sevilla star Jules Kounde last week
- Man United target Paulo Dybala facing an uncertain future at Juventus
- Manchester United remain interested in Jadon Sancho
Given his years of service, it would be apt for United to let Lingard move on. The 28-year-old looks to be enjoying football again and it will be unfair to him if we take it away.
After all, we have not missed him and it would be best to part ways with him come the summer.