Dimitar Berbatov thinks Jesse Lingard should leave amid Newcastle and West Ham links

Published on January 13, 2021

Dimitar Berbatov has told Stadium Astro that he believes Jesse Lingard’s time at Manchester United is up, and thinks the England international has got to leave this month – amid reported interest from Newcastle, West Ham and other English clubs.

Lingard, 28, has managed just three appearances for Manchester United this season – twice in the Carabao Cup and once in the FA Cup. He has failed to make a single appearance in the Premier League and is out of contract in the summer.

Sky Sports claim his representatives have spoken to OGC Nice over a potential move, while Real Sociedad was discussed before the January window opened. TalkSPORT claim West Ham, Newcastle, Brighton and Sheffield United are all keen.

Now, Berbatov has called for Lingard to leave Old Trafford given he is now 28 and has not left the club permanently since joining as an academy player. He believes that with game time, he can reproduce his best – the form that saw him shine for England.

Manchester United v FC Kobenhavn - UEFA Europa League Quarter Final

(Photo by James Williamson – AMA/Getty Images)

“Honestly, I think his time is up,” Berbatov said. He’s not playing. He had his chances to shine to prove how good he is and how good he can be. Ole doesn’t trust him enough. Spending such a long time in one team, you have to make a decision.

“He needs to move, he needs to go somewhere to play – a lesser team than United. He need to get back to doing what he can do, I remember him starting for England.”

TBR’s view – Which club suits Lingard best?

Lingard is the kind of player that thrives in the spotlight, as long as he is getting game time. That means remaining in the Premier League and probably playing for either West Ham or Newcastle – but which club is best?

The Hammers have numerous options like Lingard in attacking midfield or out wide. The most obvious one is Manuel Lanzini, while Pablo Fornals can operate in a similar manner. Out wide, Jarrod Bowen, Andriy Yarmolenko and others are impressing.

At Newcastle, he would certainly be in line for a start but would he really join a Steve Bruce side that are hell-bent on defending – rather than the other end? West Ham is probably the best move for Lingard, especially as he would play under David Moyes.