Ole Gunnar Solskjaer sees Jesse Lingard’s long term future at Manchester United and suggests a new deal could be in the offing.
Jesse Lingard made headlines this week for all the wrong reasons, gifting Young Boys a last-minute winner. Manchester United lost their opening Champions League group game courtesy of that, and the midfielder got criticised for his decision making in a tense situation.
The attacking midfielder was in the news all summer long, as his future was called into question, with West Ham United very keen on signing him permanently. Lingard spent a successful six-month loan with the London side as his nine goals ensured they qualified for the Europa League.
Despite an interest from the Hammers to make his transfer permanent, Lingard stayed put at Manchester United even though there is intense competition for places. The decision might have stemmed from Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s insistence of including him in his plans and backing his claim by playing him regularly during pre-season games.
The manager has suggested Lingard could be offered a new contract based on his performances this season. Solskjaer has always backed the midfielder, and it will be interesting to see Lingard’s reaction if he was asked to extend his stay, with his contract running out next summer.
There will be interest from many clubs if he decides to leave Manchester United, with the Hammers probably frontrunners. The Independent published quotes from Solskjaer as he spoke about Lingard’s situation after the midfielder came into focus following his error against Young Boys.
Solskjaer said, “He’s got this season left of his contract, and the club is talking to him and his dad. And we see him as a Man United player in the future as well. Jesse has come back to us after a great spell at West Ham. He showed his qualities, he’s got back into the England squad, and he’s scoring goals for England.
“We really want to see the best of Jesse this season, and we hope to see him, we support him, and we hope to keep him here with us. He’s a Red through and through.”
Lingard sure does have plenty of quality to star in any other team in the Premier League or Europe. However, at Manchester United, his form has dipped in recent seasons, and the competition for places might see him play less this term. It remains to be seen if Lingard is keen to sign a new deal at United.
