Lingard: Moyes hopes to play Man Utd forward as soon as possible

Stefan Bienkowski

• Updated: 19 May 2021 15:43 BST
• 2 min read

West Ham manager David Moyes hopes to involve Jesse Lingard in his first team plans as soon as possible and could play the on-loan Manchester United player in Wednesday’s Premier League clash with Aston Villa. 

Lingard made the move to London prior to the January transfer window shutting in hope of picking up some much-needed game time in Moyes’ squad. 

The England international quickly tumbled down the pecking order at Man Utd following the arrival of Ole Gunnar Solskjaer and featured in just 179 minutes of football in the first half of the season. 

As such, Lingard will be desperate to use his move to West Ham as an opportunity to pick up first team minutes prior to this summer’s European Championships. 

When asked about Lingard’s involvement in his squad, Moyes was happy to report that the player was already in great condition and could make an immediate impact depending on his match sharpness. 

“Jesse Lingard’s fitness levels are fine,” the West Ham manager told the media on Tuesday.

“He’s a lean boy and doesn’t carry any weight so he’s in good shape, and I am sure Manchester United would have kept him in good condition as well, 

“More than anything for Jesse [lingard], it’s just if he’s completely match ready to play but you only get that by playing matches as well.

“As long as everything is fine, I hope to have him involved. We’ll have him in and around the squad but will he start? I couldn’t confirm that and I wouldn’t confirm it anyway.”

Lingard joins a West Ham side that have been flying high in the Premier League this season, with just six defeats from their opening 21 league games. 

As such Moyes’ side currently sit fifth in the table. However, with Villa on Wednesday and then an away trip to Fulham just three days later, there’s little doubt that West Ham will need to make full use of their entire squad. 

Which should, ultimately, mean plenty of game time for Lingard and an opportunity to prove he’s still a good Premier League forward.