Manchester United boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer appeared to deliver a dagger to the heart of West Ham United fans over Jesse Lingard yesterday.
West Ham boss David Moyes is desperate to see Lingard sign permanently from Man United this summer.
The midfield ace has been one of West Ham’s top priorities after starring during a 16-game loan spell.
Lingard was an instant hit at West Ham and played a big part in the club securing their best ever Premier League points total and Europa League group stage football for the first time.
Lingard looked to have found a new home with Hammers but Solskjaer comments deal crushing blow
The 28-year-old looked to have found a new home having spent two years in the wilderness under Solskjaer at Man United.
But as the new season edges ever closer, Lingard remains a Man United player.
And on Sunday Old Trafford boss Solskjaer appeared to deliver a fatal blow to West Ham’s hopes of signing Lingard (Sky Sports).
“He was one of the positives,” Solskjaer told Sky Sports about Lingard after he came on for the second half of a 2-1 win over Derby County.
“He’s a Manchester United player and he wants to fight for his place. He’s come back bright, confident and with lots of energy. I think everyone saw what he did at the end of last season with West Ham.
“He’s still in my plans. I expect him at Man Utd at the start of the season.”
Glimmer of hope for Hammers over Solskjaer’s track record
An emphatic, crushing blow for West Ham from the Man United boss it seems.
But there may well be a glimmer of hope still.
For even ardent Man United fans find it hard to trust as Solskjaer when it comes to what he says in public versus reality.
The baby faced manager – who will be under huge pressure to deliver a trophy and title challenge this season – has a habit of talking up players and then selling them.
Solskjaer did exactly the same thing with Alexis Sanchez – insisting he was part of his plans – and Chris Smalling too.
It could all just be a cunning plan and touch of mind games to help drive up Lingard’s price in any potential deal with the Hammers.
The only issue this time around is Solskjaer’s claim that Lingard wants to ‘fight for his place’. With one year left on his contract at Man United, the player holds the cards if that is really what he wants to do.
Lingard spoke out just a few weeks ago to say ‘regular football’ is the most important thing for him now (Sky Sports).
‘Wake up Jesse I think I’ve got something to say to you’
So it would appear he is somewhat deluded if he truly believes he will get that under Solskjaer at Man United.
He is the manager who kept him in the cold for two years and has signed a host of players in his position during that time.
With £74m Jadon Sancho on board now too it is very difficult to see Lingard getting any game time at all.
David Moyes needs to channel his compatriot Rod Stewart and get on the phone to Lingard and make things crystal clear, he can be the main man at West Ham. Not just the bit part cup player he will end up being at Man United – if he’s lucky.
Wake up Jesse I think I’ve got something to say to you.
In other West Ham news, fans are furious as report claims ‘underwhelming’ signing is imminent.
And insider delivers emphatic verdict on new West Ham transfer link that is exciting fans.
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