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Daily Mirror
Daily Mirror
Sport
Reiss Tigwell

Jesse Lingard sends Ole Gunnar Solskjaer selection message after Man Utd decision

Jesse Lingard has sent Ole Gunnar Solskjaer a selection message following his successful loan spell at West Ham last season.

Lingard spent the second-half of the campaign at the Hammers, where he helped them secure European football for the first time in nine years.

The 28-year-old made 16 league appearances for West Ham in a loan move which helped him regain his confidence and creative spark.

But now Lingard has returned to Old Trafford and the United midfielder is looking to give Solskjaer a selection headache by pushing for a place in the first team.

Lingard had been a first team regular since his breakthrough season in 2015 under Louis van Gaal, but fell out of favour with Solskjaer last season.

Jesse Lingard is fighting for his place under Solskjaer at Man Utd (Action Images via Reuters)

When asked about his recent loan move, Lingard was full of praise about his spell at West Ham.

"It was a great time. It was like hitting the refresh button," Lingard told MUTV. "I was always ready to hit the ground running and I was always fit and ready to play.

"I played every game since I got there and when you play a run of games like that you get a bit of confidence.

"Of course, the goals came and assists as well. West Ham were brilliant with me: the team, the staff, the club. They helped me get to where I am but it took a lot of hard work from my side as well."

Does Jesse Lingard have a future at Manchester United? Comment below.

After a run of impressive performances at West Ham, Lingard was unlucky not to make it into Gareth Southgate’s final 26-man Euro 2020 squad.

"At the time, it [one goal] was obviously to make the March internationals [with England]. Goals, assists, take-ons, shots. To be productive in each game and to keep that consistency," Lingard said.

"The consistency is definitely a main thing. When you’re playing regular football, you’ve got to keep that consistency and keep scoring, or try and affect the game in a different way if you don’t score or assist."

Meanwhile, Solskjaer admitted Lingard remains in his first plans ahead of the new Premier League season.

"Jesse has come back, been bright, he wants to fight for his place," Solskjaer told MUTV after their pre-season opener against Derby.

"We lacked some options at times [last season]. Jesse is in the plans at the moment."

Lingard joined the Red Devils aged 7, before progressing through the club’s various youth levels and signing a professional contract in 2011.

The United midfielder has spent time on loan at five different clubs throughout his career including Leicester, Birmingham City, Brighton, Derby.

Do you want an exclusive pre-season preview of YOUR club - both in your inbox and through your letterbox? Head over here to find out more and secure your copy.

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