Did Manchester United make a mistake by loaning out Jesse Lingard?

West Ham United's English midfielder Jesse Lingard celebrates after scoring their second goal during the English Premier League football match between West Ham United and Tottenham Hotspur at The London Stadium, in east London on February 21, 2021. (Photo by Kirsty Wigglesworth / POOL / AFP) / RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE. No use with unauthorized audio, video, data, fixture lists, club/league logos or 'live' services. Online in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No video emulation. Social media in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No use in betting publications, games or single club/league/player publications. / (Photo by KIRSTY WIGGLESWORTH/POOL/AFP via Getty Images)
West Ham United's English midfielder Jesse Lingard celebrates after scoring their second goal during the English Premier League football match between West Ham United and Tottenham Hotspur at The London Stadium, in east London on February 21, 2021. (Photo by Kirsty Wigglesworth / POOL / AFP) / RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE. No use with unauthorized audio, video, data, fixture lists, club/league logos or 'live' services. Online in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No video emulation. Social media in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No use in betting publications, games or single club/league/player publications. / (Photo by KIRSTY WIGGLESWORTH/POOL/AFP via Getty Images)

This season has been one of Manchester United’s better ones since the era of Sir Alex Ferguson. After more than 7 years, it looked like they were set to put up a title challenge before falling behind Manchester City after a string of disappointing results since the turn of the year.

While the league is still not over, Pep Guardiola’s side need just 17 points from their last 9 games to guarantee themselves the title. And on current form, they should certainly be the favourites to win it from here on, despite losing 2-0 at the hands of United last Sunday.

It is undeniable that Bruno Fernandes has been the main man for the Red Devils ever since joining the club and is currently one of the best players in the world. But the club do need to find an alternative to the Portuguese maestro as well, as they are unable to break down oppositions whenever he is not on the top of his game.

While Donny van de Beek might have been signed to be that man, till now he has not been able to make his mark at Old Trafford. On the other hand, Paul Pogba is out with an injury.

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Should Manchester United have kept Jesse Lingard at the club?

Jesse Lingard has been performing exceptionally well ever since being loaned out to West Ham United. After a barren spell at Old Trafford, it seems like the Englishman is finally finding his form once again with 4 goals and 2 assists in 6 appearances for the Hammers.

As a result, David Moyes’ side find themselves challenging for a Champions League spot, something that not many of their fans would have predicted at the start of this season. It raises the question though about whether Ole Gunnar Solskjaer should have provided more opportunities to Lingard.

Probably a change of scenery is exactly what the Englishman needed and that is why he is thriving right now. What is done is done though and let’s hope that Lingard can keep delivering like this when he is back at Old Trafford.