West Ham-linked Jesse Lingard struggling for game time at Manchester United

Former West Ham loanee Jesse Lingard may be a step closer to a Manchester United exit and a possible return to the London Stadium.

The England international was once against an unused substitute as Ole Gunnar Solskjaer watched his side get outplayed at home against Manchester City on Saturday.

Despite them losing 2-0, the likes of Jadon Sancho, Marcus Rashford and Donny van de Beek were thrown on, but Lingard remained an unused substitute.

West Ham

For a player who stayed at Old Trafford for guaranteed playing time, he has found his minutes on the pitch hard to come by.

He’s been a bit-part player for Ole and despite doing well in the initial few games, he’s not even been given a look in recently.

Recently, he was also seen scrapping with Manchester United fans while warming up.

At this point, it seems like neither the Red Devils manager nor their fans want the 28-year-old to stay at the club.

If recent reports are to be believed, even Lingard could be considering quitting United for the Hammers.

Recently, on the West Ham Way podcast, ExWHUemployee said, “I believe that they’ll try to make a move for Jesse Lingard again. As we all know he hasn’t got his chance at Manchester United and his contract is up in the summer.

“He seems to be not really valued at the club and I think he’d be interested in a move back. His brother, who is also his agent, has made it clear that Jesse misses time at West Ham.

“Also, Lingard keeps speaking positively about the club.”

West Ham

Given what’s been happening with Lingard, it makes it that much easier for the Hammers to complete his signing in January.

As he’s in the final year of his deal, the winter window is the only time they can possibly cash in on him.

In other West Ham news, a Hammers first-team player is set to be transfer listed ahead of a January exit

Be sure to follow West Ham Zone on Facebook and Twitter for 24/7 updates on the Hammers and more exclusive interviews with Frank McAvennie.