West Ham coach Stuart Pearce has claimed that Manchester United star Jesse Lingard is too good to be just a bit-part player at Old Trafford.
Speaking to talkSPORT, as relayed by Evening Standard, West Ham United coach Stuart Pearce has suggested that Manchester United midfielder Jesse Lingard does not deserve to spend so much time on the benches at Old Trafford.
Lingard, a product of the Manchester United, youth academy has had a tough past couple of years at the club. Having struggled to become a major player under Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, the 28-year-old left for West Ham on loan in January earlier this year. And, the 28-year-old thrived at the London Stadium, playing a key role in their sixth-place finish in the Premier League.
Lingard was heavily linked with a return to West Ham after his loan spell ran out. However, the England international decided to stay put at Manchester United, with manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer also hinting that he had a role for the versatile attacking midfielder.
Lingard started well in the pre-season, but having tested for coronavirus, he was dealt with a minor setback and has featured just once, as a substitute. And Stuart Pearce has insisted that the 28-year-old deserves more than being a bit-part player for the Red Devils.
Stuart Pearce sends message to Man United ace Jesse Lingard amid questions over his future #MUFC #WHUFC
— talkSPORT (@talkSPORT) September 8, 2021
“He has missed the opportunity to leave United in this transfer window. He can reassess his situation come January once again and decide whether there is an opportunity to move clubs or whatever. He holds the cards. The most important thing for him at the moment is his football,” he said.
“He is playing the odd game for United and playing extremely well for England. Those performances for England might just help get him in the United side. He is too good a player to be sat on the outside of it not playing to be honest. He is at an age where he needs to be playing now.”
West Ham ended up signing Nikola Vlasic as a replacement for Lingard. However, with the 28-year-old in the final year of his contract at Manchester United and rejecting a new deal with the Red Devils, he may be available on a bargain in January or a free transfer at the end of the season.
