Cole says the 28-year-old has impressed him so far in Manchester United’s preseason campaign. Lingard’s career at Old Trafford seemed over a year ago under head coach Ole Gunnar Solskjaer.
The Manchester United academy graduate could not make a cameo in the first half of the 2020/2021 season, a reason which forced him to move to West Ham United in the January transfer window in an attempt to salvage his career.
Lingard quickly hit the ground running in East London as he became the main man in front of goal for David Moyes’ side.
He scored nine goals and provided five assists to help the Hammers to a sixth place finish on the Premier League table.
Lingard has returned to Old Trafford to prepare for the 2021/2022 season and he is already bidding to save his Manchester United career by putting up some good performances.
He was lively and got a goal in Solskjaer’s side 4-2 defeat against Queens Park Rangers over the weekend and Cole was impressed with his compatriot.
“Jesse has impressed me,” the 49-year-old told MUTV.
“I think Jesse has come back with that bit between his teeth. He has got the goal, but it is not just about the goal – it is his work rate as well.
“I think his work rate can become infectious. He is putting himself about, getting in the right areas – and getting himself a goal as well.”
