Paul Merson claims Jesse Lingard has ‘no future’ at Manchester United and should leave the Premier League giants on a permanent transfer this summer.
Lingard has joined West Ham on loan until the end of the season and scored two goals on his Hammers debut as David Moyes’ team beat Aston Villa during the week.
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has urged Lingard to return to Old Trafford ‘revitalised’ but Merson reckons the Red Devils boss is bluffing and intends to sell him.
The Arsenal legend told Starsport: ‘Jesse Lingard has no future at Manchester United and should leave Old Trafford permanently.
‘Ole Gunnar Solskjaer said all the right things about wanting to build up his confidence on loan at West Ham so they can welcome him back.
‘But he was just trying to build up Lingard’s transfer fee. I think he should move on. United are playing all these games and he’s not had a look-in.
‘He’s not 21 anymore. It’s not like the Arsenal kids going out on loan to get experience.
‘He was a great signing for West Ham. He brings them guile and pace – and he scored twice on his debut.
‘To be honest I expect the keeper to save both of those shots, but I’m pleased for him. He’s been through a lot.
‘He’s not played for a long time. But I can remember when he was in the first team every week and playing for England.
‘There will be a few teams kicking themselves they didn’t get him. But he suits West Ham. They should try and sign him in the summer.’
Lingard had not made a Premier League appearance for over a year before he starred in West Ham’s victory over Villa.
Hammers boss Moyes told BBC Sport: ‘It is great when you bring someone in and they do well.
‘If he keeps up the form he showed tonight, and he is not completely match fit, scoring the goals, he will not be far way from Gareth Southgate’s England squad in the summer.
“We didn’t feel like we did enough [in a defeat to Liverpool ]at the weekend but we did today. Jesse helped us with that.
‘We had to play well because of Villa’s quality. He will help us no end before the summer. All round a really great performance.’
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