Lingard’s not ready to bail out
JESSE LINGARD was the forgotten man – a stellar career seemingly heading for the buffers.
His last Premier League start for Manchester United had been back on New Year’s Day 2020 against Arsenal.
There were fleeting performances off the substitutes’ bench, which included a goal in the final game of last season against Leicester City to help clinch a Champions League place for Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s side.
This season the 28-year-old had been restricted to three appearances, in the League Cup and FA Cup, until his former Old Trafford boss David Moyes agreed a loan deal to bring him to West Ham in January.
Lingard, a major part of the England squad which reached the 2018 World Cup semi-finals, has since rekindled the form which once drew many admirers.
And in contrast to Tottenham fans’ feelings about their big loan hope Gareth Bale, the Hammers faithful are imploring West Ham’s hierarchy to make the move permanent.
Former Irons and Manchester United star Rio Ferdinand isn’t surprised.
He said: “I’ve known Jesse since he was 11. He’s had to overcome obstacles throughout his career.
“At first it was, ‘Is he going to be big enough? Is he going to be strong enough?’. But with his intelligence and game management you could be two-feet tall and make an impact.
“He brings you great energy and quality. Maybe recently at Manchester United he had lost a bit of focus but now West Ham have got to make
United an offer they can’t refuse.”
Hammers assistant boss Stuart Pearce added: “He’s a smashing kid. He has fitted in brilliantly. His energy in games has been exceptional.”
Sir Alex Ferguson supplied a glowing reference when Moyes contemplated bringing his former charge to London.
Lingard had already thrown himself into extra training, and visited his memory banks, determined to reboot his career. He said: “I recapped my best moments, including under Jose Mourinho when I scored lots of goals and went to the World Cup.
“I was desperate to enjoy my football again and play with a smile on my face.
“I’m not someone who will give up without a fight.”
You imagine Mourinho, in the opposite dugout today, would love struggling Bale to follow that example.