Solskjaer leaves Lingard in no doubt over his role in Man Utd squad

Jesse Lingard scored Manchester United's winner on Sunday and Ole Gunnar Solskjaer confirmed the midfielder will now play in midweek.

The Red Devils will again take on West Ham, this time at Old Trafford, in the Carabao Cup.

Lingard came off the bench to fire home against the Hammers with minutes remaining at the London Stadium.

It means United keep pace with the Premier League's leaders and Solskjaer stated that the 28-year-old will play on Wednesday night.

That may not be the greatest compliment however.

The Norwegian said: "Jesse was quite clear he wants to fight for his place and be part of a Man United team that is going places.

Jesse Lingard is set to play in Man Utd's Carabao Cup clash

"I can't speak for Jesse now but he's really contributing. He'll play on Wednesday as I'll make a few changes."

Those changes are likely to see United rest some of their first team regulars.

The likes of Cristiano Ronaldo, Paul Pogba and Bruno Fernandes may all be handed breaks to keep them fresh for league and European games.

Lingard playing in midweek would serve to underline his squad role.

The England star is desperate to be a regular but faces plenty of competition for a start with his three league outings this term all coming as a sub.

He has managed to score twice in that time with his other strike coming against Newcastle.

Lingard revived his career with an impressive loan spell at West Ham last season, scoring nine times in 16 outings, but has rejected the offer of a new deal at Old Trafford.

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He has less than 12 months to run on his deal leaving his future up in the air.

Solskjaer said before the season begun that the academy graduate would play his part, but refused to suggest he would be a regular.

He said: "Of course, I have to leave players out, never mind from the starting XI but from the squad. But they all have to remember and know they're going to have to play a part if we're going to be successful.

"Jesse is back to his fitness, he played really well in the behind-closed-doors game on Tuesday and he's come back bubbly and in good shape. He's got a big part to play."

Speaking after his 88th minute strike Lingard, who received a warm reception from the Hammers fans, said: "I'm over the moon. Got a brilliant reception when I came on.

"I had a good time with West Ham but I've got to move on with Man Utd. I've been working hard and to overcome last week weren't easy, but to get some minutes today and score was brilliant."