Former West Ham United star’s Manchester United ‘disappointment’ as transfer talks continue

Former West Ham United and England defender Stuart Pearce has revealed the ‘massive disappointment’ felt at the club when loan star Jesse Lingard returned to Manchester United.

Pearce formed part of David Moyes’ coaching staff when the Red Devils midfielder moved to the London Stadium on loan during the second half of the 2020/21 season.

Lingard was an instant hit for with the Hammers and made an immediate impact as he scored twice on his debut in a 3-1 win at Aston Villa.

That set the tone for his temporary stint with the club as the 32-times capped England midfielder scored nine goals and provided five assists during his 16 appearances.

Lingard was expected to secure a permanent move to West Ham at the end of the campaign but received assurances over his game-time upon his return to the 13-time Premier League champions.

However, the 29-year-old went on to make just four starts in all competitions and was released by his boyhood club at the end of last season.

Pearce reflected on Lingard’s time with West Ham as speculation continues over a possible return to the Hammers ahead of the new Premier League season.

The former England left-back told TalkSPORT: “We might have had the best six months out of Jesse Lingard that he’s ever going to have in football, again or beforehand.

“He was magnificent for us, he gave us a slightly different dimension, his football was outstanding.

“He’s got a footballing arrogance, Jesse. He’ll take the ball anywhere on the pitch and it was a massive disappointment that Jesse didn’t come and join us permanently in the summer on the back of that.”

Assessing Lingard’s next move, Pearce added: “He’ll end up going where he wants to go, West Ham got him and his performances got him back in the England fold which he hasn’t been in and he’s very proud of.

“We talk about Danny Drinkwater in an extreme case of not having enough football over a certain amount of time but I look at Jesse and Jesse’s ability and think he’s been on the outside of it at Manchester United for a calendar year and I find that a shame.

“It was almost a kindred home, he enjoyed the environment, he was loved at the club, he respected Dave and playing for Dave and the demands Dave puts on players.”

Lingard has been linked with a move to Newcastle United and a number of clubs in the United States - but there has been speculation that the Hammers are ready to continue holding talks with their former loan star over making a permanent move to the London Stadium over the coming weeks.