Jesse Lingard is eager to echo the passion shown by the Claret and Blue Army every time he pulls on a West Ham United shirt.
The England midfielder, who has signed on loan from Manchester United until the end of the season, has played against West Ham ten times during his illustrious career and is well aware of the demands made by the Club’s supporters.
As someone who came through the ranks at Old Trafford before going on to score in FA Cup and EFL Cup final triumphs and help England reach the 2018 FIFA World Cup semi-finals and 2019 UEFA Nations League finals, Lingard also knows what it takes to perform at the highest level.
Now, he wants to take his work-rate, commitment and undoubted ability and show West Ham supporters what he can do.
When I’ve played against West Ham, you could feel the atmosphere and at the moment I think the Club is going in the right direction. We’re on the right track and I’m here to help
Jesse Lingard
“One hundred per cent, ‘passion’ is the main word I’d use to describe West Ham,” he observed. “They work hard and the fans always support through thick and thin.
“When I’ve played against West Ham, you could feel the atmosphere and at the moment I think the Club is going in the right direction. We’re on the right track and I’m here to help.”
For Lingard, who will wear the No11 shirt, moving to London Stadium was a decision taken to give him an opportunity to fight for regular football after featuring just three times for Manchester United this season.
“That’s the main aim,” he confirmed. “For me at my age, 28, it’s all about regular football and playing week-in and week-out and really getting that rhythm and flow into my football. That’s when I’m most comfortable and most confident.
“As you saw a couple of seasons ago, once I get a run of games, the goals start coming, and that’s what I want to bring to the team.”
While regular first-team football is his aim, and a major reason why he opted to join West Ham on loan, he also knows the quality of players already in David Moyes’ squad means he will have to be at his best to achieve that aim.
But, having established himself, during loan spells with four Championship clubs as a youngster, at Manchester United, making 210 appearances, then for England, earning 24 caps since making his debut in 2016, Lingard has both the character and the ability to do just that.
“Throughout my career it’s always been like that, whether it’s been at Man United or when I’ve been on loan, I’ve always had to prove myself or work harder than others to get into the team or secure a spot in the team so it’s normal,” he explained.
“Being hungry and wanting to play week-in and week-out in a big squad is always healthy. It’s healthy for everyone to be battling for places and I’ve come here to do that. It’s not going to be an easy road.
“The loans I’ve had I’ve had to work hard and I’ve never been guaranteed a starting place, so it’s down to me to put the hard work in.”
