West Ham loanee Jesse Lingard has revealed that the opportunity to get regular playing time under former manager David Moyes was the reason for his January move.
Lingard has been on fire for the Hammers, becoming one of the first names on the team sheet whilst guiding his new team to a top-seven finish, scoring nine goals in the process.
The 28-year-old has become an unlikely contender for Gareth Southgate’s England squad for the upcoming Euro’s and was included in the most recent Three Lions squad back in March.
Sunderland bottom out as clouds consume the Stadium of Light
Speaking to West Ham’s official website, Lingard admitted that he needed a change of scenery to further his career after falling out of favour at Man Utd.
“I think just obviously playing week-in week-out,” said Lingard.
“The lads have been brilliant, the staff have been brilliant and they’ve put confidence in me to play and do well. I was already ready to play from many months ago so to play the first game at Villa seems a lifetime ago now that we’re near the end of the season, but it’s been a brilliant experience and I’ll take away so many memories.
“It’s just about consistency and performing at a high level week-in, week-out, which I’ve been trying to do and which I’ve been doing over these past few months and hopefully now it’s a big push towards the end of the season.”
Moyes managed Lingard in the 2013/14 season, and the Scotsman was pivotal towards the midfielder’s decision to join the Hammers:
“Yes, once you have that connection it’s always useful and it’s always helpful. I’ve said in previous interviews that he obviously let me go on loan to Birmingham [from United] and that was a decision for me and my family and the manager understood I needed to get games and go out and play.
“It’s kind of the same this time because he wanted me here and he wanted to put me out there and showcase what I can do.”
West Ham host Southampton on Sunday, in what could be Lingard’s last appearance for the club.
However, there is solid interest from West Ham and Moyes to make the deal a permanent one, but Man Utd’s asking price could be a stumbling block for a potential deal.