Jesse Lingard may have been out of favour in the way of first-team opportunities at Manchester United but the 28-year-old is only one game into his West Ham stint and he’s loving it.
Lingard made a January transfer to West Ham on a six month loan and the United loanee did not disappoint as he bagged himself two goals on his debut against Aston Villa.
The former England international had not started a Premier League match for over a year and after his blistering debut J-Lingz is loving football again.
Speaking to the Hammers official website Lingard said: “I was smiling before the game, during the game, I just love football and enjoy playing,”
“It’s been a long time. I enjoyed myself, and came out with two goals and three points, which was the most important thing.
“We worked hard as a collective to get the result and we’re just focused on the next game, which is Fulham on Saturday.
“The team has been great with me and I’ve settled in quickly. I know some familiar faces, which has helped, and as long as we work hard on the training ground and on match-day.
“In training we’ve had that connection as well and I feel like I’ve bedded in quickly, so come the matchday it’s easy to play with Michail (Antonio). As a team and as a collective we worked hard and that showed.”
It is understood that Olé Gunnar Solskjaer wanted to keep the England international at Old Trafford as a back-up should he need Lingard’s services if suspensions or injuries become an issue.
Solskjaer reluctantly agreed to let Lingard leave on loan though as the out of favour midfielder attempts to rekindle some form and hopefully fight for a place on Gareth Southgate’s Euro 2020 squad.
Lingard has made only three appearances for Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s side this season, the most recent coming in the FA Cup third round victory over Watford this month. He has yet to record a single minute in the league.