Lingard pinpoints reason why he struggled at Man Utd

Cameron Smith

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

Jesse Lingard is presently enjoying a renaissance at West Ham following many difficult months at Manchester United.

Despite an excellent 2017/18 campaign, in which he scored 13 goals and assisted six in all competitions – not to mention an impressive World Cup campaign – Lingard’s Man Utd career stalled. The signing of Bruno Fernandes in 2020 firmly consigned him to the Old Trafford bench.

In fact, Lingard didn’t make a single Premier League appearance in the first half of this season, and a loan move to West Ham has given fresh impetus to his career.

Lingard: Why I left Man Utd for West Ham

Speaking to West Ham’s official club website, Lingard detailed his time at the club, and also why he struggled at Man Utd: “I’m obviously really enjoying my football and I’ve settled in really well and the lads have taken to me really well.

“I’ve come here to play football week-in, week-out and that’s what I’m doing. Playing football makes me happy and when we win and play like we did on Sunday [a 2-1 victory over Tottenham], nothing can top that.

“It’s about doing it consistently and that’s maybe where I’ve struggled before, doing it consistently in games, but I can feel now I’m coming to an age where I can keep that consistency and focus and concentration coming into games and playing games week-in, week-out which I haven’t been used to.”

Referencing a lack of consistency during his time at Man Utd, Lingard’s form has led to questions whether he’ll be reintegrated at Old Trafford next season, or a permanent move away will be on the agenda.

West Ham and David Moyes would reportedly be keen for a permanent deal to be agreed, but nothing is set in stone as a buy option wasn’t included in the loan deal.

Consistency is key, and with West Ham in a surprise fight for Champions League football, Lingard will be hoping his past struggles at Man Utd are behind him, and he can help fire the Hammers to a top four finish.