KEY POINTS

  • Paul Ince thinks Jesse Lingard should join West Ham United, not Barcelona, if he plans on leaving
  • Lingard looked rejuvenated with West Ham United on loan last season
  • He could start against Leicester City due to players missing time due to circumstances

Former Manchester United midfielder Paul Ince believes that Jesse Lingard should avoid joining Barcelona at all costs because of the pressure that comes with a big-name club.

In an appearance on Mark Goldbridge’s “The United Stand” YouTube channel, Ince shared his thoughts on the matter.

“I don’t see Jesse [Lingard] at Barcelona. I might be doing Jesse [Lingard] a disservice but I think the pressures of going to Barcelona, it’s like Manchester United, the expectation if you don’t do well the white hankies come out. There’s a lot of pressure,” remarked the former West Ham United and Red Devils player.

The English winger has been linked to a move to two major clubs recently, namely Barcelona and AC Milan.

It is believed that Barcelona is currently at the forefront for Lingard’s signature as the appeal of signing a talent like Lingard on a free transfer during economic hardships for the La Liga giants will help them be more competitive.

After having a career resurgence with West Ham United on loan last season, the 28-year-old has only made one start for Manchester United in a losing effort to the former in the English League Cup.

Lingard has shown flashes of brilliance this season as he scored the match-winning goal at the 89th minute of the Red Devils’ 2-1 away victory against West Ham United last September 19 in the English Premier League.

Ince also noted that West Ham United should be where Lingard lands if his heart is truly set on leaving Old Trafford.

“We’ve had Jesse [Lingard] dealing with pressure and mental health. When Jesse [Lingard] went to West Ham [United] and was outstanding, he found his home, he never really found his home at [Manchester] United,” Ince acknowledged in the same interview.

The Red Devils are set to face Leicester City away from home on Saturday, October 16, and there could be a chance for Lingard to make a start then.

Manchester United will be without the services of Raphael Varane and Harry Maguire due to injury, while Edinson Cavani and Fred will also be unavailable due to international commitments/

However, the team is reportedly looking into chartering a flight for them to reach the United Kingdom in time.

Should Marcus Rashford not make his season debut with the Red Devils this weekend, Lingard could make a case for manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer to start him.

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