Garth Crooks reacts to Jesse Lingard’s display in West Ham loss

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Garth Crooks has told BBC Sport that Jesse Lingard is making Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s decision to let him join West Ham on loan look questionable following his latest display for the Hammers.

Lingard has been an inspired addition to David Moyes’s ranks. The 28-year-old has scored three goals in his first five appearances for the club.

His first assist for the Irons came at the weekend as West Ham were beaten 2-1 by Manchester City. And he was agonisingly close to providing another in the final moments.

Unfortunately for the visitors, Issa Diop’s header from his cross went wide. Nevertheless, Crooks felt that Lingard still deserved a place in his Team of the Week.

“I said some weeks ago that Lingard looked in the mood to prove his critics wrong,” he told BBC Sport. “His return to first-team action after such a long absence has been impressive and his most recent performance against Manchester City was no different.

“Whatever the reasons Ole Gunnar Solskjaer had for allowing Lingard to play on loan at West Ham for the rest of the season, Lingard is making the Manchester United’s manager’s decision-making look questionable.”

In fairness to Solskjaer, Lingard did not look like producing his current form with his parent club. He scored just one goal in 22 Premier League appearances last season.

Of course, an argument could be made that he did not get any chances this term. But there did not appear to be a clamour amongst the fans for the England international to feature more either.

The loan move to the London Stadium looked to be best for all parties. And if his form earns Lingard a permanent move, it is surely difficult to suggest that any side got the bad end of the deal.