Gary Neville says Manchester United face a ‘big decision’ over Jesse Lingard, but believes it’s a ‘win-win for both parties’.
Lingard continued his remarkably good form since his January loan move to West Ham with a brace in their 3-2 win over Leicester City on Sunday.
Since making his Hammers debut, Lingard has scored seven goals and laid on four assists. He tops the Premier League for goal contributions over this stretch (via OptaJoe).
The Englishman hadn’t played a single minute in the Premier League or European competition before being granted the temporary switch (via Transfermarkt).
His only action in a red shirt all season had come in the domestic cup competitions.
But he may now have revived his prospects at Old Trafford.
‘Neither Solskjaer nor Lingard can lose out’
Speaking on The Gary Neville Podcast, Neville set out the healthy dilemma.
“He’s not the problem at Manchester United,” the club legend said. “If Jesse Lingard was on the bench today, coming off the bench with 10 minutes to go, no one would have an issue with it.
“Manchester United have got a big decision to make.
“Do they cash in and get good money for him and replenish the squad in an area where they want to and bring in that extra quality?
“Or do they think, ‘Actually no, he’s part of what would be a good 22/23-man squad.’
“That’s the decision that Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has got to make. He can’t lose with it.
“His value’s gone up, Jesse’s enjoying himself.
“I don’t think Jesse Lingard can lose. It’s a win-win for both parties.”
Could United engineer a deal for Declan Rice?
There was no option to buy contained within the loan agreement, but West Ham are now ready to do ‘whatever it takes’ to make it permanent (via Sky Sports).
28-year-old Lingard, who has one year remaining on his United contract, is valued at £13.5million by Transfermarkt.
The Athletic reported last week that they may seek to use the Irons’ interest as leverage in their pursuit of Declan Rice.