‘I can’t understand why Lingard didn’t get his Man Utd chance’ – Coufal

Robin Bairner

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

Jesse Lingard’s inability to play for Manchester United earlier this season has stunned West Ham team-mate Vladimir Coufal, who has been awestruck by the attacker’s ability.

Before making a loan move to the Hammers in January, Lingard had spent the season kicking his heels on the sidelines at Old Trafford, rarely able to even feature on the bench.

READ MORE: Why Man Utd can’t demand £60 million for Jesse Lingard this summer

Since moving to West Ham, however, the attacker has appeared a player reborn. Indeed, Lingard is set to enjoy his best ever scoring season in the Premier League, despite only playing half a season under David Moyes.

Coufal, meanwhile, cannot work out how Lingard was not more extensively used by Man Utd manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer.

“Jesse Lingard came from the biggest team in England and he brings something different,” he told Sky Sports.

“His quality is unbelievable, and I can’t understand why he didn’t play for Manchester United or get a chance. He’s an unbelievable player and I’m really happy to be able to play with him.”

Lingard: West Ham Statistics in 2020/21

‘Declan Rice is the best No.6 in the world’ – Coufal

Meanwhile, the full-back heaped praise on another player key to firing West Ham towards the Champions League positions this season.

“It’s the same with Declan Rice. Declan is maybe the best number six in the world, but he can still improve, and he knows it,” the Czech Republic star said.

“I am just glad I can play with them, with Tomas Soucek, with Mark Noble and some very experienced players.

“It’s been a beautiful season so far and everyone is hoping it will continue like this. Our goal is to qualify for Europe for next season and we are hoping we can finish the job.”

West Ham tackle Newcastle on Saturday, with Lingard’s future still uncertain and Rice also courted by Man Utd, despite Moyes’ protestations that his side will not sell.