Things are tough these days for Jesse Lingard at Manchester United. His longest stretch of games at Old Trafford was in the 2017/18 season, where he played 33 Premiership matches and scored eight goals. Last season, he was shipped off to West Ham on loan. At West Ham, he rediscovered his form and scored nine goals in 16 appearances.
Solskjaer wants a new contract for Lingard
After a fantastic loan move to West Ham, where he averaged 0.56 goals per game, Lingard is under pressure to extend his stay at Old Trafford. It is an excellent return for a player, who before joining the London club, had found game time hard to come by at Manchester United.
Lingard’s nine goals ensured that West Ham was able to qualify for the Europa League. His fantastic form led to the Hammers seeking to keep him at the club permanently. The move to sign him permanently fell through with Lingard choosing to fight for his place at Old Trafford.
His decision to stay might have stemmed from Solskjaer convincing him to stay and playing him regularly during pre-season.
The English midfielder has a contract that runs out next summer and is under pressure to extend his stay at Old Trafford. Solskjaer is keen to see Lingard remain at the club.
The Independent quotes the Norwegian gaffer as backing the player’s stay at the club. He confessed that the club was talking to the player and his dad.
Why Lingard finds games hard to come by
Under Jose Mourinho, Lingard was a constant feature in theng lineup as he made as many as 33 appearances in the Portuguese final season at Old Trafford. A lean squad ensured it was hard to ignore Lingard.
Under Ole, the club made reinforcements. Bruno Fernandes joined from Portugal, meaning more competition for the England international. This season has seen more players walk in the door, meaning tougher competition for Lingard.
Bruno Fernandes has impacted the Old Trafford outfit positively, making things difficult for Lingard. Lingard, however, fancies his chances and is ready to fight for his place, but with certain assurances.
In their opening game of the 2021/22 UEFA Champions League season, Lingard made a last-minute error that gifted Young Boys a 2-1 win. He has come under heavy fire for the costly error.
Despite his role in that loss, Ole Gunnar Solskjaer still backs the Englishman to remain at the club.
According to Solskjaer, Lingard has many qualities, and it showed with his stint at West Ham.
The competition at the club remains high, and it will still be tough for him to tie down a permanent place in theng lineup. With the form of certain players in the team, there can be no guarantees for him. If he is keen to stay at Old Trafford, he has to fight hard for his place.
By :
Steven D. Thompson
