Transfer Centre

Ian Wright talks up Jesse Lingard move to West Ham United

By Ben Knapton, Senior Reporter | 27 January 2021

Former West Ham United and Arsenal striker Ian Wright believes that Manchester United's Jesse Lingard will benefit from a temporary move to the London Stadium.

Former West Ham United and Arsenal striker Ian Wright "cannot wait" to see Manchester United's Jesse Lingard ply his trade at the London Stadium if a reported loan move goes through.

The Hammers are understood to be closing in on a deal for the 28-year-old, who has struggled to force his way into Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's plans at Old Trafford.

Lingard himself is supposedly open to a move to the capital, and Wright believes that a stint at West Ham could help the England international rediscover his confidence.

Speaking on Wrighty's House Podcast, the 57-year-old said: "There are so many players he is behind now [at Manchester United]. We are talking about somebody who was an integral part of England at [the World Cup] in 2018 in Russia.

"If it is West Ham and he's going into a team that is playing with a lot of confidence, I can't wait to see him without the pressure of United on his shoulders.

"He's going to play for a West Ham, if you do a couple of things right with West Ham those fans are fantastic. I only went there for a little while, but if they see you're committed and you're in.

"Remember, 28 in football especially with him, he's not injury prone, we're talking about somebody who is very fit with what he's doing.

"The only thing that is missing from Jesse Lingard to get back where he is, remember he's only 28, is confidence. His movement, his appreciation of the play, and the way he can play one-touch football is fantastic."

Lingard has only made three appearances for Man United this season and is yet to play a single minute of Premier League football in the 2020-21 campaign.