Pranav Nair
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer confirms that Jesse Lingard may still have a future at Manchester United
Jesse Lingard has looked a player lost for confidence ever since Ole Gunnar Solskjaer took over at Manchester United.
The 28-year-old was held in high regard by both Louis van Gaal and Jose Mourinho and played a number of games for both managers. However, he failed to hit the ground running under Ole and has largely been a peripheral player.
What a difference three months can make in football. Lingard’s loan move to West Ham United has proven to be an inspired decision and he has since seen his value skyrocket.
The 28-year-old has so far scored eight goals and provided three assists in just nine Premier League games for the Hammers. This has aided them massively in a surprise push for the Champions League places.
This has seen him not only return to the England fold but also stake a claim to be selected for this summer’s Euros. Something that seemed out of reach at the turn of the year.
With just one year left on his United deal, the Red Devils have a decision to make this summer. According to the Daily Mail, Ole Gunnar Solskjaer is keen to include the player in his plans for next season.
“Of course we want him back. I hope he goes to the Euros.”
The model backup player?
Solskjaer has been left impressed by Lingard’s performances and admits that he would have liked to have kept the player at Old Trafford this season. The Englishman caused nary a problem and could have had a role to play.
“We could have kept him because he had a part to play. Never once caused me a problem and he deserved a chance to play more football.”
While the Norwegian admits that Lingard deserved to play more, it is difficult to see him achieve that at United. Given the talent at our disposal, it was always going to be an uphill task.
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While we would welcome Lingard’s return, doubts still linger on whether Solskjaer has what it takes to get the best out of him. The 28-year-old looks like a player reborn at West Ham and may return to United only to be relegated to the bench once again.
With his contract also winding down, United will do well to sell him for top dollar this summer. There is no shortage of suitors for the player and United do well to strike while the iron is hot.
