Does Daniel James’ exit mean Jesse Lingard stays at Manchester United?

Even though we still await the official announcement, the permanent transfer of Manchester United’s Daniel James to Leeds United for €28m is a ‘done deal’ according to Fabrizio Romano.

Although Manchester United have been looking to offload a few players before the transfer window closes, the hopes of Jesse Lingard making his permanent move to West Ham United appear to have faded away by the minute.

The Hammers have announced a deadline day signing of their own, with the permanent transfer of Nikola Vlasic from CSKA Moscow for €30m.

Vlasic is a very versatile player with plenty of potential at 23 years old. He spent the majority of his time at CSKA Moscow playing as an attacking midfielder, very similar to the role Lingard played at West Ham in his loan spell last season.

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With the Hammers being one of the only clubs that Lingard has been linked with, it can be assumed that they’ve found his replacement with Vlasic, which very likely rules out a potential transfer for Lingard.

Can Solskjaer utilise Lingard this season?

United manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has stated on a number of occasions throughout the last few weeks that Lingard remains in his plans for the current 2021/22 season.

And with Manchester United set to re-enter the UEFA Champions League scene again this season, Solskjaer will require some squad depth in order to keep his players well managed as fixture congestion becomes an issue.

In saying this, it will be a challenge for Lingard to break into the starting XI for the Red Devils, especially on a consistent basis. With Ronaldo and Bruno set to occupy the no.9 and no.10 positions respectively, it only leaves 2 positions for Lingard to contend for, the left and right wings.

With new €85m signing Jadon Sancho entering the fray, and Mason Greenwood hitting incredible form with 2 goals in the first 3 games of the season, first-team football remains a doubt for Lingard at Manchester United.

Lingard will need to replicate his form from West Ham to have any shot at being a regular. However, when Marcus Rashford makes his return from injury in the coming weeks, the challenge for Lingard will only get greater.