West Ham’s Stuart Pearce has reacted to Adrian Durham’s claim that Jesse Lingard’s celebration for England on Sunday was a reason behind why he stayed at Manchester United this summer, as they spoke on talkSPORT (05/09/21 at 5:50 pm).
Lingard netted a brace during England’s 4-0 win over Andorra, and along with his standard celebration, the one-time West Ham loanee combined it with Cristiano Ronaldo’s, hence Durham’s claim that he wants to get ‘those Ronaldo vibes’ this season.
You may not have guessed it, but a certain Ronaldo has returned to Old Trafford this summer and Lingard, who was tipped to re-join West Ham, will instead play alongside one of the greats in the colours of his boyhood club.
This is what talkSPORT host Durham and West Ham coach Pearce had to say about Lingard’s celebration yesterday, as the ex-defender didn’t like what his fellow colleague was implying.
“He did the Lingard celebration, which is basically two fists in front of his face, with the four fingers up, semi-framing his chin,” said Durham. “And he combined it with the Ronaldo celebration.
“And I am wondering whether that’s why he is staying at Manchester United? Just to get those Ronaldo vibes.”
Pearce responded by saying: “I don’t know where you are going with this young man. But I don’t like it. Just leave it, will you!?,” he laughed.
“Let’s just say what good goals he scored. He certainly got his confidence back and his mojo back. Somewhere, I don’t know where it is, in the Romford area, so they are telling me.”
With the depth in quality at Manchester United now, it’s going to be interesting to see how much game time Lingard earns.
His goal-crazy spell at the London Stadium shows no sign of stopping, and what could have been West Ham’s gain this summer, will be Man United’s instead.
It was a smart move on their part to just loan him out in January, not sell him or put a clause that states he could be purchased by the end of it.
Lingard will be fondly remembered in East London because he helped the Hammers secure Europa League football.
But now it’s a different level of pressure in Manchester because they are aiming for that all-important Premier League title.
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