Lingard hits out at Solskjaer for Man Utd treatment

Carlo Garganese

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

On-loan West Ham star Jesse Lingard has aimed a dig at Manchester United manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer after finding the net yet again on Sunday.

Lingard has been a revelation in East London after moving there on loan in January until the end of the season.

His goal during Sunday’s 3-3 draw with Arsenal means he has now scored five goals in just seven games for West Ham.

READ MORE: Moyes reveals what surprised West Ham about Lingard

“First and foremost I’m here to play, win and help the team, so hopefully I can do that and we’ll see where we’re at come the end of the season,” Lingard said to BT Sport of his loan move, which contains to clause to make the deal permanent.

“It’s about playing with a smile on my face and enjoying my football and getting back to the old Jesse.

“During the lockdown, I recapped my best moments playing football – the season under Jose [Mourinho] where I scored all of those goals and went to the World Cup and the season when Ole came in and I started well.

Lingard: West Ham statistics in 2020/21

“I started getting that fire in my belly and drive again to go and kick on. It would have been easy for me to fall off and take the easy option out.

“But a person like me who’s been through a lot and knows the game, I can’t just give it up like and I’ll always go out with a fight.”

Lingard’s form has raised questions as to why he was barely given a chance by Solskjaer in the first half of this season.

The 28-year-old did not play a single minute of Premier League or Champions League football for Man United in 2020/21 and only made three appearances between the League Cup and FA Cup.

“I came back one of the strongest and fittest (in the Man Utd squad) after the lockdown and I didn’t get my chance that I was waiting on,” he complained about his lack of action under Solksjaer.

“But the whole time I was there and not playing I was doing extra training and keeping on top of my fitness for when the time was right.

“So for me, it’s about working hard and staying dedicated and I went back to basics.”

West Ham are currently fifth in the Premier League table, two points off a Champions League spot.