Jesse Lingard asks to leave Manchester United amidst interest from West Ham United
According to The Metro, Manchester United loanee Jesse Lingard is ready to call time on his stint at Old Trafford this summer.
The 28-year-old came through the ranks at United before going on to impress under both Louis van Gaal and Jose Mourinho. However, he has failed to repeat the trick under Ole Gunnar Solskjaer and was largely a peripheral player under the Norwegian.
With his career in limbo, a decision was taken to loan him out to the Hammers in January. It has proved to be an inspired decision.
Lingard hasn’t just spearheaded West Ham’s unlikely push for a European spot but also returned to Gareth Southgate’s England squad. With nine goals and four assists in just 11 games, he has rekindled his reputation and returned to form with style.
His performances have convinced West Ham to sign him on a permanent basis in the summer. They were keen to install a right-to-buy clause in Lingard’s contract in January, only for United to refuse.
Time has since proven United right. The £15m clause would have seen the Hammers get themselves a steal but instead, the Red Devils can now demand much higher.
Time for a change!
Any move West Ham make will have Lingard’s blessing. The attacker has grown frustrated with Solskjaer’s distrust of him and is keen to leave in search of regular football.
United for their part are in no rush to make a decision. This in spite of Lingard having just over a year to go on his current deal.
The 28-year-old’s stock has never been higher and United will do well to cash in now. After all, Solskjaer has proven that he is incapable of drawing out the best of the English international in red.
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Lingard has made 210 appearances for United, scoring 33 goals and making 20 assists. His standout moment will remain the extra time strike that won United the FA Cup in 2016 at Wembley.
