Manchester United have confirmed the exit of Jesse Lingard on a free transfer – amid interest from Newcastle and a reported West Ham offer. Lingard has been rumoured to be leaving Old Trafford for some time.
Lingard, 29, went on loan to West Ham in January 2021 after falling down the United pecking order. He starred for the Hammers, scoring nine goals in 16 games and even laying on five more assists for the Hammers.
But he returned to United and chose not to leave his boyhood club last summer. It backfired. The “amazing” Lingard was afforded just 22 times all season, managing just two Premier League starts for Manchester United.
He has been strongly linked with a return to West Ham and the Hammers have made an offer, while Newcastle are also interested in the midfielder. Now, United have confirmed what had been expected, he is leaving on a free.
Manchester United confirm Lingard exit: Newcastle or West Ham?
It is a tricky decision for Lingard. He has obviously shown that he can thrive at West Ham under David Moyes. With the World Cup in Qatar fast approaching, he needs regular game time to break his way into the squad.
He would get that at West Ham – not just in the league, but also in the Europa Conference League. Being in Europe, albeit the third-tier tournament, is still an advantage over Newcastle despite their riches.
But the Toon are on an upward trajectory and have some excellent players in Kieran Trippier, Bruno Guimaraes and Allan Saint-Maximin. They will be a real force, with huge cash reserves, this summer. It could tempt Lingard.
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