Jesse Lingard ‘ready to LEAVE Man United this summer unless he receives assurances from Ole Gunnar Solskjaer he will play regularly’ as he looks to revive his England career in time for the 2022 World Cup
- Lingard impressed on loan at West Ham last season with some stellar showings
- He has also caught the eye of boss Solskjaer in pre-season at Manchester United
- The Norwegian is considering bringing him in against Southampton on Sunday
- Lingard ‘will reluctantly look to depart’ if regular game-time isn’t on the cards
- There have been no formal bids yet for the £25million-rated attacking midfielder
Jesse Lingard is set to leave Manchester United this summer if he believes he is not going to play regularly, as he looks to boost his chances of returning to the international fold with England.
The attacking midfielder fell out of favour at United and was sent out on loan to West Ham last season, where he won numerous plaudits for his performances.
According to the Times, Lingard wants regular first-team football and could force a way out of Old Trafford by the transfer window deadline on August 31 to get it.
Jesse Lingard (left) is reportedly willing to leave Manchester United by the end of this transfer window at the end of the month if he does not receive assurances regarding his playing time
The 28-year-old has impressed in pre-season after returning to Manchester, scoring against Queens Park Rangers and shining against Wayne Rooney’s Derby.
Although Covid-19 ruled him out of the club’s Premier League opener, a 5-1 win against Leeds, he has returned the training pitch and scored again in a friendly against Burnley on Tuesday.
Manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer is reportedly now mulling over whether to bring him in to the squad against Southampton on Sunday, but regular game-time is far from guaranteed with the Red Devils despite his fine pre-season and form last campaign.
The talismanic Bruno Fernandes also prefers a central No 10 role, with United’s winger positions well stocked with £73m signing Jadon Sancho, Marcus Rashford, Mason Greenwood and Paul Pogba capable of playing out wide.
The 28-year-old attacking midfielder impressed many on loan at West Ham last season (above)
Lingard scored nine goals and recorded five assists in just 16 games for David Moyes’ side
It would be difficult for Lingard to leave the club he joined 21 years ago, but with one year left on his contract, he is willing to make that move to increase his chances of returning to Gareth Southgate’s England squad.
The Three Lions boss brought him into his provisional Euro 2020 squad but did not pick him in his final 23-man group – although he is said to be impressed by Lingard’s attitude and performances upon returning to the team.
Although it is understood one enquiry for the £25m-rated star was received from Italy, there have as yet not been any official bids for the player, with West Ham interested in re-signing him permanently but unwilling to pay the asking price.
Lingard’s stellar form at the London Stadium – with nine goals and five assists in just 16 appearances – saw David Moyes’ Hammers finish sixth, missing out on Champions League football by just two points.
