Garth Crooks questions why Jesse Lingard is still a Manchester United player to only offer a bit-part role in his latest Team of the Week for BBC Sport, after interest from West Ham.
The former Tottenham Hotspur striker firmly believes the 28-year-old has too much talent to serve as just a backup option. Lingard has only played 45 minutes in the Premier League without starting so far this season, yet has scored twice.
Lingard struck his latest goal in the 89th-minute against West Ham on Sunday to win the game for Manchester United. Crooks believes it was a cruel irony for the 31-cap England maestro to deny the Hammers any points after reviving his career in east London last term.
West Ham also explored retaining Lingard permanently this summer. But 90min report he personally told David Sullivan he wanted to fight for his Manchester United career. Crooks does not understand the midfielder’s decision, as his performances deserve a greater role.
“Can anyone tell me why Jesse Lingard is still at Manchester United?” Crooks queried. “A player who has the ability to score goals and affect the game, as he clearly can, should not be coming on as a substitute, filling in here and there, and playing second fiddle to anyone.
“A cruel irony took place at London Stadium against West Ham, as the former loanee found himself scoring the winning goal for Manchester United against the club who got his career back on track when United had thrown him on the scrap heap last season.
“I’ve no doubt that the answer to my earlier question is United are more likely to win trophies. But it’s no fun when you’re winning trophies on the bench.”
Should Lingard have left Manchester United for West Ham this summer?
Lingard joined West Ham on loan in January after failing to play any Premier League games for Manchester United. Yet he opened his Irons career with a debut double at Aston Villa and ended the season with nine-goals, five-assists in 16 appearances to revive his career.
The midfielder hoped his form at the London Stadium would be enough to secure a greater role at Old Trafford. But that has not been the case, and Red Devils chiefs could now show him the exit door for good. Potentially leaving Lingard to rue rejecting West Ham’s interest.
Reports by The Sun claim Manchester United are planning a January clear-out, with Lingard one of several up for sale. Solskjaer wants to boost his available budget and club chiefs will speak with those he considers surplus to requirements soon.
But it would be questionable that West Ham revive their interest in Lingard, if he does leave Manchester United. Following reports by the Daily Star that the Hammers planned a £15m bid for the Red Devil’s £25m creator, they signed Nikola Vlasic from CSKA Moscow instead.
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