Lingard refuses to celebrate after coming back to haunt West Ham with United winner

Just a summer ago, Lingard was continually mocked for his lack of goal involvement at United, with many wondering how he was still being picked by England boss Gareth Southgate.

However, a loan to West Ham last season drastically changed everything, with Lingard joining in January 2021 and finishing the season as one of the Premier League's best players.

Lingard's nine goals and four assists in 16 games at West Ham earned him the trust of Ole Gunnar Solskjaer back at United, with the boss hanging onto the midfielder despite serious interest from the Hammers to make his loan into a permanent deal.

On Sunday, Lingard returned to the London Stadium as a second half substitute back in a Red Devils shirt, and his impact could hardly have been more predictable.

While warming up, chants of 'Jesse Lingard, he wants to come home' rang around the stands, with West Ham fans clearly missing the England international.

Lingard was even clapped on the pitch by the home supporters as he replaced Paul Pogba, but he soon managed to completely silence them.

With United looking likely to settle for a point as injury-time loomed, Lingard picked up a Nemanja Matic pass in the opposition box before cutting inside and unleashing a sublime, unstoppable strike into the top corner.

The 28-year-old refused to celebrate what would turn out to be the eventual winner, lifting his hands in a gesture of respect to his old on-loan club - in scenes that will likely split opinion with supporters and pundits.

But Lingard but failed to hide a delighted smile as he was mobbed by his teammates.

It could have been rendered pointless when West Ham were given a stoppage-time penalty, but a rare David De Gea's save from a Mark Noble spot kick ensured Lingard was the story.

Lingard was clearly flattered by the love he received from the Hammers fateful, but was strictly business as he continues to fight for a place in Solskjaer's line up.

"I got a brilliant reception when I came on," Lingard said after the match.

"I had a good time at West Ham but I've got to move on with United, and I've now got to do my best for Man United."

The United academy product had got his return off to a decent start with a goal in a 4-1 win over Newcastle, but disaster struck last week in the Champions League.

With United a man down and drawing 1-1 with Swiss side Young Boys, Lingard played a hospital pass back to De Gea, which was intercepted and put in the net by Jordan Siebatcheu.

Sunday was a moment of redemption for Lingard, who was clearly still hurting from his European nightmare.

"I've been working hard and to overcome last week wasn't easy but to get some minutes today and score was brilliant," he added after the win over West Ham.

"Mistakes happen in football and that's one of the only mistakes I've probably made in my career in football but you've got to overcome them things, things happen and you've got to bounce back like we did today."

It has since been reported that United are in contact with Lingard's representatives in regards to a contract extension, with Solskjaer talking up his match winner today.

"Jesse was quite clear he wanted to fight for his place," Solskjaer said.

"He's really contributing, I'm really pleased for him that he handles the setbacks, he handles the highs and the lows really well.

"He's becoming a grown man, and he's a really good player."

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