Ole Gunnar Solskjaer open to starting Jesse Lingard for Manchester United after impressing as substitute
Speaking in a pre-match press conference before the game against Everton, via the official club website, Ole Gunnar Solskjaer stated that Jesse Lingard is in contention to start games for Manchester United after being a super-sub recently.
The 28-year-old England international spent the second half of last season on loan at West Ham United. After an impressive spell, Lingard was linked with an exit this summer in order to get more game time elsewhere.
No move materialized, and Lingard remains a Man United player. He is yet to start a league game for the club this season but has been involved in a goal in each of his last two games where he has come on as a sub.
This included goals against Newcastle United and West Ham, with the latter being a winner in injury time. Speaking about his influence from the bench, Solskjaer explained that he knows how Lingard is feeling being a bench player at the moment.
Lingard to start more often?
“Of course. I understand, I’ve been a player, I’ve been on the bench probably more than anyone at this club. I understand sometimes you’re a little bit frustrated that you don’t play but you can’t let it affect yourself and your performance or your team-mates.”
Asked if he can start games for the club in the future, Ole gave a diplomatic view of the situation and stated that the player is available for selection for the starting XI.
“Jesse has come on and done really well more often than not. He’s bubbly, lively, picked for England again and of course he’s available to start for us because he’s a very, very good player.”
More Manchester United News:
- Real Madrid are eyeing a deal for Manchester United star Edinson Cavani in January
- PSG set to hand Manchester United blow in the race to sign AC Milan ace Franck Kessie
- Cristiano Ronaldo has made it clear to Ole Gunnar Solskjaer regarding how he wants Manchester United should play
United face Everton in the Premier League next on Saturday before another international break. With Bruno Fernandes one of the first names on the team sheet, perhaps Lingard’s best chance to start is if he is deployed out wide on the flank.