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Peter Crouch says West Ham have a ‘quality’ man in their ranks who’s playing with the ‘shackles off’
West Ham United on-loan attacker Jesse Lingard has been praised by Peter Crouch, who says “you cannot speak highly enough” of the 28-year-old right now.
In addition, Crouch believes he’d be better off leaving Manchester United, as he’s “playing with the shackles off” at a club where he is wanted, and hopes the Hammers can sign him permanently.
Lingard swapped Old Trafford for the London Stadium at the start of the year and, in just nine games in claret and blue, he has registered eight goals and four assists.
Indeed, West Ham have won six of their games with him in the team, drawing two and losing just one, and they’re still very much on track for a Champions League place.
Crouch, writing in his column, answered questions from two fans who asked him whether Lingard would return to Old Trafford, and how much they should sell him for.
“He might return to Old Trafford… I’m not sure he will go back to the Theatre of Dreams!” he wrote.
“I have no doubt Manchester United will be watching him closely and contemplating whether he could thrive in red again. He’s full of confidence and has the class to play that false nine role.
“You cannot speak highly enough of him right now. He has been involved in 11 goals for West Ham since making his debut for them on February 3.
“What team wouldn’t want a player of that quality in their line-up? Maybe United had a plan for him to go out and rediscover himself. Or…
“Following on from the last answer… maybe the plan was for him to go out and show himself to potential suitors.
“If that is the case, I think United will try to command £20m-plus. Even in this day and age, that would represent amazing value.
“Personally, I believe Jesse would be better off leaving. He is playing with the shackles off at a club where he is wanted.
“Why would he jeopardise that by taking the chance of returning to United and finding out a few months down the line that he is a bit-part player?
“Suddenly the old mentality would creep in, the doubts, and all the good work would go out.
“This fresh start has been fantastic for Lingard. It has also done him good getting away from the scrutiny in Manchester. I hope West Ham get that deal over the line.”
Up next for West Ham is Newcastle United away in Saturday’s early kickoff.