Solskjaer casts doubt on Lingard’s Man Utd return: It was different here

Robin Bairner

Updated: 19 May 2021 13:54 BST
5 min read

Solskjaer casts doubt on Lingard’s Man Utd return: It was different here — © ProShots

Manchester United manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer as heaped praise on “brilliant” Jesse Lingard, who is presently on loan at West Ham.

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Lingard was not in Man Utd’s plans at the turn of the year following the addition of Amad Diallo from Atalanta.

As such, he was sent on loan to West Ham, where he is playing what is arguably the best football of his career.

In nine matches under David Moyes at the London Stadium, he has returned eight goals – as many as he has managed in any full Premier League campaign in the past – as well as four assists.

Lingard’s future is now the subject of much conjecture, with some suggestions that he could go back to Man Utd, others indicating he could remain at West Ham and more still suggesting a move to another club entirely, with Arsenal mentioned.

Solskjaer’s mixed messages over Lingard

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Solskjaer has cast doubt, however, on a return to Old Trafford for Lingard if he wants regular football – as the player himself has suggested.

“It was different here. Bruno Fernandes’ form in the same position,” he told the media. “I’m delighted for Jesse, though.

“He’s been brilliant since he left.

“We could have kept him because he has always got a part to play. He’s Man Utd through and through and never caused me a problem.

“But he deserved his chance to play more football and that is why we let him go to West Ham.

“We would welcome him back and we hope that he will go to the Euros. I hope he has a strong finish to the league.”

Man Utd are in action against Granada in the Europa League on Thursday, while Lingard will lead West Ham’s chase for an unexpected Champions League spot on Saturday when they tackle struggling Newcastle at St James’ Park in the early kick off.