Manchester United manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has confirmed Jesse Lingard is in his plans ‘at the moment’.
Lingard, who has been a part of the Red devils’ first team since 2011, thrived during his loan spell at West Ham last campaign.
West Ham have considered a permanent move for the player, while some other Premier League clubs are believed to be interested in securing Lingard’s signature, either on loan or permanently.
But Solskjaer, speaking after United’s pre-season game against Derby County on Sunday, said that Lingard is ‘in his plans’, although he did suggest the situation could change before the start of new season.
‘Jesse has come back, been bright, he wants to fight for his place,’ Solskjaer said.
‘What he did towards the end of last season, that’s the true Jesse. We lacked maybe some options at times. Jesse is in the plans at the moment.’
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Reflecting on United’s 2-1 victory over Wayne Rooney’s Derby, Solskjaer added: ‘The first game [in pre-season] is always difficult, it’s the first test of 45 minutes.
‘It took a bit of time to get going, loads of young players getting their chance to play with some of the first-team ones.’
Manchester United finished second in the Premier League last campaign, 12 points behind champions and rivals Man City. Solskjaer’s side will start their 2021-22 season against Leeds United on August 14.
