The preseason is a time of second chances and if you are already coming from a redemption stage, the chances of sealing a rebirth multiply exponentially. It is the case of Jesse Lingard, who last year went from ostracism at United to stardom at West Ham, assignment through. The midfielder was not part of Solskjaer's plans, but in London he not only recovered part of the shine lost in Manchester, but also gave to the fans hammer the best six months of his career.
Nine goals in 16 games that earned Gareth Southgate's call-up to the national team. He went to the Eurocup and although he did not play, he certified a renaissance that few would have bet on a few months before. Now, back at Old Trafford, Solskjaer, who gave him only three games (two for Carabao and one for FA Cup) in the first half of last season, has opened the locker room doors for him again. After Jadon Sancho, in the absence of an official announcement, and in a tough fight to take over Varane, Lingard could become a extra signing for the Red Devils.
The Norwegian coach himself was in charge of confirming it after the team's first summer friendly. In it, the offensive midfielder played the second half. The result (2-1 win against Derby County) is the least of these matches, but after it, Solskjaer has valued the attitude of Warrington very positively: “Jesse is back, he has been brilliant, he wants to fight for his place here and there is nothing better than seeing the players want to fight for a place in the team”.
Comparison of the last four seasons of Lingard.
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“What he did at the end of last season is what matters, we know what he's capable of and I think at the end of the year we lacked some extra options in attack. Jesse is in our plans for the moment.”he added. Thus, Ole confirms that right now they are not looking for a new destination for the brand new English international, who has shown, at 28 years of age, to have a hole in his lifelong team again. Well, let's not forget that Lingard is one of the greatest exponents of the Red Devil quarry in recent years. The 210 games with the first team they are a good example of it.
The preseason as the definitive test
Of course, if your situation is twisted, Jesse wouldn't be short of suitors. West Ham himself tried to have him again, according to the English press, but at United they have not considered this possibility. Although we cannot forget that the contract ends in 2022 and if he completes six months in the shade they could risk losing him at zero cost in a year from now. The competition you have is fierce. Bruno Fernandes, Pogba or Van de Beek start with an advantage if it comes to playing ahead of the double pivot. Sancho, Rashford and Greenwood They do it if the band is the habitat that Solskjaer has destined for them. However, Lingard has already shown that he can be an elite footballer in the Hammers. The preseason will mark if it is really an extra reinforcement for United …