OLE INSISTS LINGARD IS GOING NOWHERE

OLE GUNNAR SOLSKJAER has reassured Jesse Lingard that he has ‘a big part to play’ for Manchester United this season. Lingard is understood to be concerned over his first-team opportunities after spending the second half of last season on loan at West Ham. The Hammers want Lingard back but are unwilling to meet the £25million asking price. Another loan doesn’t appeal to United because the 28-year-old is out of contract in June. Solskjaer insists Lingard is part of his plans after returning from a period of Covid isolation to score in the 3-1 friendly win over Burnley. ‘Jesse is back to his fitness,’ said the United boss. ‘He played really well in the behind-closed-doors game on Tuesday and he’s come back bubbly and in good shape. He’s got a big part to play. ‘As a manager with players and a squad like I’ve got now, it’s difficult to say they’re not playing because I’ve got to leave players out never mind from the starting 11 but from the squad. But they all have to remember and know they’re going to have to play a part if we’re to be successful.’ Solskjaer said that contract talks are continuing with Paul Pogba who is also set to become a free agent in the summer. Brandon Williams and Andreas Pereira are joining Norwich and Flamengo on loan, but Amad Diallo could stay after impressing since his return from the Tokyo Olympics. United face Southampton at St Mary’s tomorrow but Solskjaer wouldn’t say if new signing Raphael Varane or Edinson

Cavani will feature after training with the squad this week. It will be the first time the teams have met since United thrashed the Saints 9-0 at Old Trafford in February, but Solskjaer is taking little notice of that result because Ralph Hasenhuttl’s side had two men sent off. ‘That game was a one-off, a special game when you get a lad sent off in the second minute so I don’t count it at all,’ he said.