Pranav Nair
Dean Windass: Jesse Lingard is akin to a new signing at Manchester United
Speaking to Football Fancast, pundit Dean Windass claimed that he believes Jesse Lingard returning is akin to Manchester United signing a new player.
The Red Devils have enjoyed an excellent summer so far and have already brought in Tom Heaton and Jadon Sancho. French World Cup winner Raphael Varane has also completed his medical and will be announced imminently.
While United fans have a lot to be excited about, it could be a familiar name who could make the difference this season. Lingard, a player who struggled under Solskjaer has now returned to the club having enhanced his reputation elsewhere.
On loan at West Ham for the second half of the 2020/21 campaign, Lingard scored nine goals and made five assists, almost getting the Hammers into the top four. While they eventually ended up sixth, David Moyes’ side have Lingard to thank for getting them into Europe.
While they would like to make the deal permanent, the player has since returned to United and appears to be a part of Solskjaer’s plans. Windass certainly appears to think so and it remains to be seen if Lingard can keep his purple patch going.
“He’ll be like a new signing for Ole. They will get him in the office and say, ‘you’ve gone and done that for West Ham, go and do that for us. We know how good a player you are, you’ve gone out on loan and proved me wrong, if you do well by Christmas, you’ll get a new contract.”
He will, however, have to wait before making his competitive return to action for United. Lingard, who tested positive for COVID-19 is unavailable to face Leeds United this weekend. With Marcus Rashford out injured and Edinson Cavani yet to be ready, Solskjaer has a number of decisions to make.
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With Jadon Sancho likely to be eased in and Anthony Martial also having returned from injury, Lingard could have a critical role to play this season.
The English international has just 12 months left on his current deal. Windass believes United to demand Lingard reproduce his form at West Ham in order to secure a new contract. Whether that happens remains to be seen.
