Dimitar Berbatov has said on Stadium Astro that reported West Ham United target Jesse Lingard needs to leave Manchester United.
The former United striker believes that Lingard’s time at the Premier League giants is coming to an end.
The England international, who can operate as an attacking midfielder or as a winger, has been linked with West Ham and Sheffield United.
The Star reported earlier this month that Chris Wilder’s United are interested in the 28-year-old, and that West Ham have been in contact with the England international’s representatives.
Former United striker Michael Owen is also of the opinion that Lingard should leave Old Trafford this month.
Berbatov said about Lingard on Stadium Astro, as transcribed by The Mirror: “Honestly, his time is up. He’s not playing. He had his chances to shine, to prove how good he is, how good he can be.
“It shows that, for the moment, Ole does not trust him enough to play him and honestly he doesn’t have anywhere to play in the team right now.
“So when you’ve been so long in one team and, coming to 28 [years old], you have to look back and say, ‘Did I achieve enough? Am I happy with what I’ve done here? Is my time up?’ So I think he need to move, he needs to go somewhere else to play.”
Owen added: “If it was me, and I’d had all that time at Manchester United, I’d probably go and try to play a bit more regularly.”
Leaving Manchester United for West Ham United
Lingard is not going to play regularly for United, and it would make sense for him to find a new club in the January transfer window. The England international is still only 28 years of age and has a lot to offer.
West Ham are a big and established club in the Premier League, and under manager David Moyes this season, they are doing well at the moment.
The Hammers are an ambitious club as well, and a move to the London Stadium could see the 28-year-old revitalise himself.
According to WhoScored, Lingard has made one start and one substitute appearance in the EFL Cup and one appearance in the FA Cup for United so far this season.
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