Exclusive: McAvennie confused by Lingard signing but admits he could become ‘wonderful addition’
We’re delighted to welcome former West Ham United striker Frank McAvennie as our exclusive columnist. Each week he’ll be giving his views on the biggest talking points at the London Stadium…
Frank McAvennie isn’t sure about where Jesse Lingard will fit into the West Ham squad after the attacker was signed on loan from Manchester United.
On Friday night, the Irons confirmed the 28-year-old’s arrival on a short-term basis after he failed to make a single Premier League appearance for the Red Devils in the first half of the campaign.
West Ham already have a number of attacking midfielders in their squad and McAvennie isn’t sure where Lingard fits in unless he’s going to take the place of Pablo Fornals.
Speaking exclusively to West Ham Zone, McAvennie said: “I don’t know where Lingard is going to fit into the team. Is he going to take Fornals’ place? That’s the only thing I can think of because where else?
“He was a wonderful talent [when he was younger] but he’s fallen away a bit and you have to ask why.
“I’m not bothered by his crazy antics because who am I to judge that? But you’ve got to ask why he’s not pushing for the team at Man United.
“Maybe the boy needs to move and will kick on because he’s a talent. If he kicks on and is able to resurrect his form and get back to the way he was playing, then he’ll be a wonderful addition.”
It remains to be seen what role Lingard will play at the London Stadium but David Moyes has suggested that the England international could be used in a variety of different positions.
As quoted by West Ham’s website, Moyes said: “We’re bringing in that versatility, I’ve wanted to try to get an energetic team at the moment and Jesse has been known for his work-rate and effort, so I think he’ll fit in nicely with what we’ve got.
“I hope he brings us a little bit of quality too, and a winning mentality from Manchester United.”
Lingard can definitely offer what Moyes is saying there because he can play on either wing or as a central attacking midfielder.
He might help cover a number of positions if there are injuries so adding some extra strength in depth isn’t the worst of ideas.
On Sunday, Lingard wasn’t named in Moyes’ matchday squad as the Hammers played Liverpool in East London so we might have to wait until when the Irons play away at Aston Villa to see where the loanee fits into the plans.
In other West Ham news, the Hammers have reportedly offered Winston Reid to Liverpool.