West Ham coach Stuart Pearce insists Jesse Lingard is 'too good' to be a fringe player at Man United and claims the midfielder 'missed the opportunity' to move to the Hammers this summer By Isabel Baldwin For Mailonline Published: 11:08 BST, 8 September 2021 | Updated: 11:12 BST, 8 September 2021 Viewcomments West Ham coach Stuart Pearce insisted that Jesse Lingard is 'too good a player' to warm the bench at Old Trafford. Lingard enjoyed a successful loan spell with the Hammers last season. He recorded nine goals and four assists, winning plaudits for his performances. West Ham had been keen to bring Lingard back to east London this summer but a deal failed to materialise as the club refused to meet Manchester United's asking price. West Ham coach Stuart Pearce insists that Jesse Lingard is 'too good' to be fringe player Lingard fell out of favour at Manchester United but has now been reintegrated into the squad Despite West Ham's eagerness to make the deal permanent before the transfer window slammed shut, the 28-year-old returned to Man United to fight for his place in Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's squad. But the midfielder has only played four minutes for United so far this season and faces an uphill battle to earn a starting spot. This summer saw the arrival of Jadon Sancho and the sensational homecoming of Cristiano Ronaldo to bolster United's already jam packed attacking ranks. There is extra pressure after the arrival of Jadon Sancho (left) and Cristiano Ronaldo (right) Lingard, who has entered the final year of his £100,000-a-week deal at the club, has now reportedly snubbed a new contract due to his concerns over a lack of playing time. Pearce believes the England international should have made the move away from Old Trafford this summer and fears he may have missed his chance. 'He has missed the opportunity to leave United in this transfer window,' Pearce told TalkSPORT via the Evening Standard. 'He can reassess his situation come January once again and decide whether there is an opportunity to move clubs or whatever. He holds the cards. The most important thing for him at the moment is his football. He enjoyed a successful loan spell at West Ham last season but didn't move permanently The 28-year-old wants game time to boost his chances of making the 2022 World Cup team 'He is playing the odd game for United and playing extremely well for England. Those performances for England might just help get him in the United side. 'He is too good a player to be sat on the outside of it not playing to be honest. He is at an age where he needs to be playing now.' David Moyes could consider returning to the negotiating table in January if Lingard struggles for game time under Solskjaer. With his contract set to expire next summer, Lingard is free to talk to clubs in January with a view to leaving for free at the end of the season. David Moyes could make another move for Lingard in January if he doesn't get game time Read more: Share or comment on this article: All rights reserved for this news site (dailymail) and under his responsibility