‘Lingard has no future at Man Utd’

Carlo Garganese

• Updated: 19 May 2021 15:43 BST
• 1 min read

Jesse Lingard has no future at Manchester United once his loan spell at West Ham comes to an end, according to former England star Paul Merson.

Lingard moved to West Ham on loan until the end of the season in the January transfer window having fallen well down the pecking order at Old Trafford.

He did not play a single minute of Premier League football for Man Utd in 2020/21 but made an instant impact on his West Ham debut by scoring twice in midweek in the 3-1 win over Aston Villa.

“Jesse Lingard has no future at Manchester United and should leave Old Trafford permanently,” Merson wrote in the Daily Star.

“Ole Gunnar Solskjaer said all the right things about wanting to build up his confidence on loan at West Ham so they can welcome him back.

“But he was just trying to build up Lingard’s transfer fee. I think he should move on. United are playing all these games and he’s not had a look-in.

“He’s not 21 anymore. It’s not like the Arsenal kids going out on loan to get experience.

“West Ham should try and sign him [permanently] in the summer.”

Lingard was also in action for West Ham on Saturday as they drew 0-0 with Fulham at Craven Cottage.

This result meant that the Hammers missed the chance to move into the top four as they chase an unlikely Champions League spot.