Mirror
Manchester United laid down the gauntlet by demolishing fierce rivals Leeds United 5-1 at Old Trafford.
While everything from Bruno Fernandes’ hattrick, Mason Greenwood’s clinical finish, and Paul Pogba’s four stunning assists suggest it was a perfect day for the Red Devils.
But, there was one sceptical note for Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s side, with Jesse Lingard surprisingly left out of Solskjaer’s 18-man squad to face Marcelo Bielsa’s side.
The Norwegian elected for Donny van de Beek, Andreas Pereira, and Juan Mata to provide attacking midfield options from the bench.
While these three players are certainly not to be sniffed at, it was a huge surprise considering Lingard’s impressive loan spell at West Ham, where he recorded nine goals and five assists in just 16 appearances.
Lingard had produced some of the best football of his career while playing for David Moyes’ side.
He came within a whisker of securing a place in Gareth Southgate’s 23-man squad for Euro 2020.
Former Manchester City manager and current West Ham first team coach Stuart Pearce has even sent a transfer message to the 28-year-old, saying the Hammers want him to return.
The former Nottingham Forest defender highlighted Lingard’s popularity around the dressing room and even stated he would be welcomed back with open arms.
“He’s a special lad, the players really like him and his ability shone,” Pearce said to TalkSPORT.
“We’d like him to come and join us, that’s been an open secret. At the moment it looks like he’s vying for a place in the Man Utd team.”
The tricky midfielder also enjoyed a full pre-season with the Red Devils, having not competed in Euro 2020 or the Olympics.
His omission from the Leeds match has left many scratching their heads as to where exactly he stands on the red half of Manchester.
West Ham’s supporters were clamouring for the club to sign him on a permanent deal this summer, but all hopes of a reuni…
