Man Utd outcast Lingard joins West Ham on loan until end of 2020-21 season

Posted Saturday, January 30, 2021 by Goal.com

The Hammers have snapped up the England international on a short-term deal in a bid to boost their chances of a top-six finish

Jesse Lingard has joined West Ham on loan from Manchester United until the end of the season.

Lingard has racked up 210 appearances for United across all competitions since graduating to the senior squad at Old Trafford back in 2011, scoring 33 goals and laying on 20 assists.

The 28-year-old has picked up four major trophies during that period, including the FA Cup and Europa League, while also earning 24 caps for England.

Lingard's career has stalled significantly over the past year, with increased competition for places in Manchester leaving the midfielder on the fringes of the action under Ole Gunnar Solskjaer.

He has yet to feature in the Premier League for United this season, and the club have ultimately decided to sanction his departure before the end of the January transfer window.

Lingard will see out the remainder of the campaign at West Ham, with the final deal set to be worth a total of €3 million including his wages and loan fee.

"I’m excited. It’s another new chapter in my life. Nothing is guaranteed but I’ve come here to work hard and help the team and bring my experience," Lingard told West Ham TV after confirming the switch.

"That’s the main aim. I just want to enjoy my football and get back playing again and get my feet back on the pitch.

"There were lots of clubs involved but, for me personally, I felt this was the right move. I’ve obviously had a previous relationship with the manager as he was at Man Utd and I’ve played under him before, so he knows my qualities and what I can bring to the team.

"I know a couple of the players as well – I know Dec [Rice] very well from the England side – and I feel I can really settle in here quickly."

Solskjaer alluded to a possible transfer for the Red Devils playmaker after a 3-2 FA Cup fourth-round win over Liverpool last weekend, telling reporters: "He wants to play football, we will have to see and I will sit down with Jesse and make a decision on what we're going to do."

Newcastle and West Brom also reportedly contacted Lingard's representatives to discuss his availability.

He will reunite with former United boss David Moyes at the London Stadium, and will be tasked with helping the Hammers secure a top-six Premier League finish.

Lingard continued: "It’s important that a player and manager have a good relationship. [Moyes has] got really good morals, he gets his team working hard and I’ve had a chat with him already and there are no guarantees – it’s down to me to put the work in and put the graft in, to get into the team and play well week-in, week-out."