Yahoo Sports Manchester United will ‘welcome back’ Jesse Lingard after inspired West Ham loan stint, says Solskjaer
Jesse Lingard has scored eight goals on loan at West Ham
(POOL/AFP via Getty Images)Jesse Lingard will be welcomed back at Manchester United following his prolific loan stint at West Ham, according to Ole Gunnar Solskjaer.
The midfielder has revived his career since moving to the London Stadium until the end of the season in January, registering three assists and scoring eight goals - the most of any top-flight player since his Hammers debut on February 2 - as well as earning back a spot in Gareth Southgate’s England squad ahead of this summer’s rescheduled European Championship.
West Ham believe they have a strong case to sign Lingard on a permanent basis this summer as they push for Champions League qualification, while Arsenal and Paris Saint-Germain are also interested in his services.
The 28-year-old’s future at Manchester United has been subject to considerable doubt with his current contract due to expire at the end of next season and Lingard having not started a league game for 399 days before joining West Ham, though Solskjaer evidently believes he still has a future with his boyhood club.
“Jesse has been brilliant since he left and I’ve answered this quite a few times,” the Norwegian said at a press conference held before Thursday’s Europa League quarter-final second leg against Granada at Old Trafford.
“Selfishly we could have kept him because he’s always got a part to play.
“Jesse is a fantastic lad around the place, Man United through and through, never once did he moan or cause me a problem.
“He just came in, worked really hard and deserved a chance to play more football. That’s why we let him go to West Ham, because he deserved a chance for what he’s done throughout his life at Man United.
“Of course we welcome him back. I hope he will go to the Euros, because with his performances now and the confidence he’s got, I don’t think that’s beyond him.
“I hope he’s got a strong finish to the league. It was different here, the form Bruno [Fernandes] has played in arguably in Jesse’s favoured position.
“That was just a decison that we made. Delighted though for Jesse and wish him all the best for the rest of the season until he comes back.”
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