Lingard will revel being ‘back in the spotlight’ after Man Utd nightmare

Martin Macdonald

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

Former Man Utd forward Dimitar Berbatov reckons Jesse Lingard will flourish at new club West Ham as can now enjoy being back in the spotlight after 18 months in a place in the shadows at Old Trafford.

Near the end of the January transfer window, West Ham secured the signing of Lingard on loan for the rest of the season, with David Moyes concluding a deal for a player he knows well, having worked with him at Man Utd previously.

Prior to the move to London, Lingard had failed to register a single minute of Premier League football for the Red Devils in 2020/21, having been frozen out of the squad for the league and given only a handful of appearances in cup games.

Berbatov believes the transfer to West Ham was a no brainer for Lingard, as the transition will be eased by the fact he has worked with Moyes before.

“Football is a funny thing sometimes, Jesse Lingard has gone to West Ham and he’s had a great impact there in his new surroundings,” Berbatov said in his Betfair column

“I think his transition has been made easier because he has stayed in England at a club he will know, and of course working with a manager who knows him very well. I hope he can play even more and continue to have a big impact at West Ham so that he gets back into the national team.”

The former Man Utd and Tottenham striker is of the opinion that the time spent on the pitch again will do wonders for Lingard’s confidence, which had previously been low after falling completely out of the pecking order at Man Utd.

“It shows that it was a good move to go to the London Stadium, where there isn’t as much competition for places in midfield, he’s been able to start over, play games and get his confidence back and he’s showing what he can do, which is great for him,” Berbatov continued.

“He must be so pleased with everything and how things are going, as a player you want to play, you want to develop and when your career is on the line it’s so important to play matches.

“He will be so satisfied and happy to be playing in a team that is pushing for top four, he’s got a great chance to shine and get back into that spotlight. When you don’t play, it doesn’t matter who you are, or what anyone tells you, if you aren’t out there on the pitch your confidence drops.”

The 28-year-old made a flying start to his career with the Hammers as he scored two goals on his debut as West Ham defeated Aston Villa 3-1 away from home.

Moyes’ side have won two and drawn one since his arrival, as they find themselves level with Chelsea in fourth.