West Ham United star Ryan Fredericks has been reacting to Jesse Lingard’s superb debut after arriving on loan from Manchester United.
‘Not all about Grealish’ says West Ham star, denies Moyes ‘sacrifice’
West Ham boss David Moyes made Lingard his key target in the January window.
And West Ham made Said Benrahma’s move from Brentford permanent six months early to free up a domestic loan spot and get the Lingard deal done.
Lingard already looking like an inspired signing
Many West Ham fans doubted whether Lingard was a player they needed.
Well he proved his worth with a stunning debut in the 3-1 win over Aston Villa in midweek.
Despite having only played twice for Manchester United’s first team in seven months, Lingard was a class apart.
He outshone the much hyped Jack Grealish and Ross Barkley as he hit a brace in the superb victory.
After the game many raised the question why, if he can play to that level, did Manchester United let him leave?
Fredericks makes Man United claim after playing with loan star Lingard
And Fredericks pondered the same question after the game.
The West Ham defender proved equally important in the win. He doubled up with the brilliant Vladimir Coufal to keep Grealish quiet while offering a big threat going the other way with his pace and crossing from the byline.
Speaking to whufc.com after the game, Fredericks made a claim about Manchester United after playing with Lingard for the first time.
“Man United must have some good players if they sent him on loan!” Fredericks told whufc.com.
“We all know what Jesse can do. That’s him to a tee.
“He’s busy, gets around the pitch, he’s really good on the ball and he brings goals to us which is going to be a massive help from now until the end of the season to help us achieve our goals.”
Fredericks appears to suggest Man United may have made a mistake letting Lingard leave.
Man United have ridiculous and expensive quality in depth and it gives Hammers hope over Lingard future
It is something of a surprise that Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has not even found a place in the squad for Lingard.
But his midfield options are expensive and high quality.
West Ham have a quality midfield and attack.
So too do the Red Devils. But the key difference is the depth of that quality in the Man United squad compared to West Ham.
The Old Trafford side have Paul Pogba, Bruno Fernandes, Scott McTominay, Donny van de Beek, Fred, Juan Mata and Daniel James.
And their forward players Marcus Rashford, Anthony Martial and Mason Greenwood are also used in varying attacking roles where Lingard would operate.
Fredericks is right that West Ham have got a real coup being able to sign Lingard from Man United.
But that Man United squad list gives some perspective. It also gives some hope that the Hammers will be able to keep their loan star beyond this season.
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