Lingard targets playing time under Carrick

Jesse Lingard is hoping that he can get a ‘big chance’ to prove he has a long-term future at Manchester United following Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s departure.

The 28-year-old has not started a Premier League game for United in nearly two years and has only been limited to substitute appearances so far this season but hoping to get playing time under Michael Carrick.

Lingard spent the second half of last season of last season on loan at West Ham and was outstanding during that spell, registering nine goals and five assists in 16 appearances.

That form saw him force his way back into England contention, just missing out on the final cut of Gareth Southgate’s squad for the Euros. He has since reappeared for the Three Lions this season.

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United had refused to include an option to buy in that loan deal with the Hammers and Lingard was confident about making an impact on return to Old Trafford. But it was not to be under Solskjaer, despite a couple of goals from the bench in his fleeting chances.

Lingard has so far turned down United’s approach of a new deal, with his current contract due to expire in the summer, meaning he could sign a pre-contract with another club in January.

90min was told earlier this month that Lingard is not giving up on his hopes of staying at United if Solskjaer left and that is now the case following the Norwegian’s dismissal on Sunday.

Now that Solskjaer is gone, sources have confirmed to 90min that Lingard is hoping for what he sees a ‘big chance’ to cement his place in the squad. The player has not had the opportunity he wants or believes he deserves this season, but the managerial change could now provides it.