Jesse Lingard is now heavy odds-on to rejoin West Ham before the transfer window closes.
Lingard was left out of the squad for Manchester United's 5-1 victory over Leeds on the opening weekend of the Premier League season, and speculation over his future at the club continues to mount.
Jesse Lingard next club odds (via Sky Bet)
- West Ham - 1/5
- Everton - 16/1
- Arsenal. Leicester - 20/1
He spent the second half of last season on loan at West Ham, enjoying a hugely successful stint, scoring nine and assisting four goals in the Premier League, overperforming his Expected Goal Involvement (xGI) by more than 5.0.
- Expected Goal Involvement (xGI) = Expected Goals (xG) + Expected Assists (xA)
However, with new signing Jadon Sancho waiting in the wings for his first Manchester United start, game time will be even harder to come by for Lingard this season.
“I think Jesse’s first priority is to get into our team,” Solskjaer said when asked about the impact of Lingard’s playing time on his England hopes.
“I think whenever your employer is Man United, I think that’s your first priority. It always is and I think together we can have great moments.
“Of course, as a manager, with players and a squad like I’ve got now it’s difficult. It’s difficult to say that ‘this weekend you’re not playing’ because I’ve got to leave players out – never mind from the starting 11, even from the squad.
“But they’ll all have to remember and know that they’re going to have to play a part if we’re going to be successful.
“Jesse’s back to his fitness, he played really well in the behind-closed-doors game on Tuesday.
“He’s come back bubbly and in good shape, so he’s got a big part to play.”
Lingard is out of contract next summer and United would reportedly look for a £25million fee if he was to leave.
More from Sporting Life
Safer gambling
We are committed in our support of safer gambling. Recommended bets are advised to over-18s and we strongly encourage readers to wager only what they can afford to lose.
If you are concerned about your gambling, please call the National Gambling Helpline / GamCare on 0808 8020 133.
Further support and information can be found at begambleaware.org and gamblingtherapy.org.