Jesse Lingard flourished on loan at West Ham last term under David Moyes but has struggled for minutes since returning to Man Utd with his contract winding down
David Moyes concedes it is “disappointing” to see Jesse Lingard sitting on the bench following his impressive spell at West Ham.
The Manchester United star moved to London last January having failed to make a single league appearance at Old Trafford.
He was able to rediscover his best form with the Hammers, though, scoring nine times in 16 outings, as he became a leading light for the Hammers.
A permanent move for Lingard was touted during the summer, but United’s former manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer was determined to keep him.
The Norwegian maintained that the 28-year-old had a “big role” to play for the Red Devils, but he failed to hand him a single league start.
All eight of his appearances came off the bench, which was no doubt a factor in Lingard rejecting the offer of a new deal.
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Moyes spoke openly about the England international’s unfortunate situation, but maintains his West Ham side have moved on.
“I can’t really talk about him [Lingard] because he’s a Manchester United player and it’s not for me to talk,” said the Hammers boss.
“But he was really good for us. Jesse knows what we all think of him here. My disappointment for Jesse would be, I think he’s such a talented football player and he’s not playing.
“He played a big part in our second half of last season. But you’d have to give credit to the players here, they’ve moved on without Jesse.
“People might have thought Jesse made a difference here. But the players have moved on and stepped to another level themselves. But I’ve got to say, Jesse was a big part of that.”
Without Lingard the Hammers have mounted a top four charge.
Their efforts last term also earned them a place in the Europa League and they have qualified for the last 16.
Lingard’s contract situation at United means he can begin negotiating his exit from January.
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Marcio Machado/Getty Images)
A change in the dugout with Ralf Rangnick arriving could change things with the German set to make his own assessment of the squad.
Newcastle are being linked with a January move for the out of favour United star however according to The Times.
The Magpies are now heavily backed financially and want to make Lingard their highest earner as they look to tempt him to St James’ Park.
Newcastle are also prepared to cough off a considerable fee in the New Year to ensure they secure his services.
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