Jesse Lingard was expected to kick on at Manchester United this season, after a fantastic loan spell with West Ham last year appeared to have given his career a shot in the arm.
It hasn't quite panned out that way and now David Moyes - who managed Lingard during his spell at West Ham last season - has made some intriguing comments about the English player's game time.
David Moyes thinks Jesse Lingard should be getting more game time
The curious case of Jesse Lingard at Manchester United has continued this season. Despite scoring goals in two cup finals for the Old Trafford club, and arguably being the team's star player during their run to 2nd place in 2017-18, Lingard has fallen down the pecking order quite dramatically in recent years.
Having made only fleeting appearances in the early stages of last year, he went on a six-month loan to West Ham, where he finally flourished and recaptured the form that saw him referred to as a promising young player right up to the age of 26.
"Simply superb" 🤯
You 𝒏𝒆𝒆𝒅 to watch this.
Jesse Lingard runs from inside his own half to score a stunning opener for West Ham!
Solo goal of the season?
📺 Watch on Sky Sports PL
📱 Follow #WOLWHU here: https://t.co/zHgQQwKlUE
📲 Download the @SkySports app! pic.twitter.com/sWO8iC6FBv— Sky Sports Premier League (@SkySportsPL) April 5, 2021
The expected continuation of that form this season hasn't happened, though. Chances in the Premier League have been few and far between, with no starts and only two goals. One of those goals coincidentally came in the form of a late winner against West Ham in September.
"It is the scenario that #WHUFC fans were dreading!" 😦
Jesse Lingard breaks West Ham hearts with a late stunner at the London Stadium! 💔#WHUMUN pic.twitter.com/ajnXn5psGQ— Sky Sports Premier League (@SkySportsPL) September 19, 2021
The Hammers' boss David Moyes has now spoken about Lingard's game time. Moyes' comments make for intriguing reading when you consider the increasing rumours of a potential return to Stratford for Lingard.
I can't really talk about him because he's a Manchester United player and it's not for me to talk. 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.
The limited opportunities in the Premier League this season have reportedly left Jesse Lingard frustrated. The change of manager at Manchester United may have changed things, with Ralf Rangnick known to like energetic players of Lingard's style.
David Moyes' comments on his former player have done nothing to dispel rumours of a return to West Ham. The movements of Jesse Lingard will most certainly be a storyline to watch in January, especially with his contract at Old Trafford coming to an end next summer.
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