Lingard’s West Ham loan has worked out for Man Utd – Solskjaer

Robin Bairner

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

Jesse Lingard’s loan stint at West Ham has been positive for Manchester United, according to manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer.

With the England attacker frozen out of Man Utd’s Premier League squad in January by the arrival of Amad Diallo, he was shipped out on loan to the Hammers.

READ MORE: ‘Man Utd managers must take some blame for Lingard career’

Since moving to West Ham, Lingard has been little short of a revelation as he has rapidly regained something like his peak form. Indeed, with four goals in six Premier League outings, he has already equalled his second-best return in a league season.

Solskjaer had admitted that it is a move that has suited both parties.

“It’s really worked out for Jesse and it’s worked out for us as a club as well,” he told the media on Friday.

“Jesse’s position is as a No.10 and we’ve got Bruno Fernanes there, so for me it was a no-brainer to give Jess a chance to prove himself and play some football again.”

With Lingard having tasted regular action once more, it remains to be seen if he will willingly return to a fringe role at Man Utd, where his prospects of ousting Fernandes from the starting XI appear scant.

Indeed, he has previously indicated that he is pleased to have taken the decision to move to West Ham to get more game time.

Lingard’s Premier League record

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.”

Lingard was on target as West Ham overcame Leeds 2-1 on Monday to continue their unlikely pursuit of a Champions League place, and he has had a habit of scoring against other top-four contenders, making it easier for Man Utd to make their claim for second.