David Moyes says West Ham have recruited a player who’ll give the side ‘creativity’ and ‘energy’

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West Ham United manager David Moyes has praised new signing Jesse Lingard, saying he’ll give the team creativity and energy.

The Hammers announced the move last week as the Manchester United attacker and England international made a loan switch from Old Trafford to the London Stadium.

Lingard has enjoyed a fruitful career at Man United over the years, clocking up over 200 competitive appearances for his boyhood club.

However, he has barely featured for his parent club this season, with just three appearances under his belt – and none in the Premier League or Champions League.

A lifeline has been offered to the forward by a manager he briefly worked with at Man United, and Lingard is set to make his Hammers debut at Aston Villa on Wednesday.

“Jesse can play from the left, from the right or play as a 10,” Moyes is quoted by Sky Sports as saying. “He played for England as a midfield player at times as an eight.

“I think if I had to, I could play him as a false nine if I needed, the way Manchester City have played quite often with no centre forwards.

“There’s been very little business done in terms of centre forwards, because of covid and because of availability, so I think Jesse can do all those jobs if required.

“It will take a little bit of time to settle, so let’s give him a chance but he will help us with our creativity.

“I couldn’t really say what went wrong for him at Manchester United but when he played for England he was energetic, he always had energy and it wasn’t too long ago he was part of the England squad.

“Hopefully he can come and show some of that. He’s 28 so still young, he’s got a young body and a young mind. Hopefully we can get the best out of him.”

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With West Ham flying high in the Premier League and also in the fifth round of the FA Cup, Lingard’s arrival comes at a good time, with David Moyes’ charges looking to maintain their momentum.

Liverpool were always going to be tough opponents, but the Hammers now have the opportunity to get back to winning ways away at Villa, where Lingard – if picked – will hopefully hit the ground running.