Solskjaer wants to keep Jesse Lingard at Manchester United next season
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer expects West Ham target Jesse Lingard to stay at Manchester United next season.
West Ham are still keen on signing the England international despite him having talks with Solskjaer about his future at Old Trafford. [Sky Sports]
The Red Devils began their pre-season campaign with a 2-1 victory over Derby County at Pride Park where Lingard came on at half time and was the bright spark down the left for the Manchester outfit.
Speaking after the game, Solskjaer said, as quoted by Sky Sports, “He was one of the positives. 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.”
Devastating
It’s clear by the Norwegian’s tone that he intends to keep Lingard at the club, but we’re unsure what the player’s plans are.
Whether he’s staying silent to leverage a salary hike behind the scenes or is genuinely undecided about his future, is anyone’s guess.
Solskjaer expects him to fight for his place in his playing XI which is something he was doing even before his loan spell at the London Stadium.
Here at West Ham, he’ll be one of David Moyes’ first names on the team sheet and the Scotsman could also build his side around the dynamic attacking midfielder.
If playing time was his major concern, it would’ve been a no-brainer to join us permanently.
Manchester United know about our interest and they’re probably driving up his price to ensure that we can’t afford him – forcing him to sign a new deal.
It’s looking extremely difficult that we sign him this summer.
In other West Ham news, Report: West Ham in hunt to sign 17-goal striker in final year of contract, PL club wants £4m
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