Jesse Lingard says he is glad to be back enjoying his football again after scoring twice on a dream debut for West Ham last night.
The on-loan midfielder made an instant impact for the Hammers with a brilliant display on what was his first Premier League start for 399 days.
Lingard, 28, fell out of favor at Manchester United under Ole Gunnar Solskjaer but shone as West Ham moved to within two points of the Champions League places with an impressive win at Villa Park.
“I had a smile from start to finish,” said Lingard, who brought energy, creativity, and quality to an in-form West Ham side.
“I just love football and enjoy playing football. When you enjoy football, you get the rewards. The lads helped me settle in at the start of the week and have been really welcoming.
“I fitted into the team fairly quickly and got used to everybody. Three points are much deserved.”
In front of England manager Gareth Southgate, Lingard (left, celebrating his second goal) produced the sort of display he hopes will get him back into contention for an international recall ahead of the Euros.
Lingard linked up well with Said Benrahma and Michail Antonio and scored West Ham’s second goal with a left-footed strike early in the second half. He netted his second goal late on to seal a victory, as the Hammers continued their fine start to 2021 under David Moyes.
There were a few raised eyebrows when West Ham signed Lingard on loan, but he has already shown his worth to the Hammers boss.
“I like to get on the ball and try and make things happen,” said Lingard. “I felt fairly confident coming into the game, I just wanted to get out on the pitch and play.
“I’ve waited all that time to finally be on that pitch and enjoy that moment.
“I’ve been on at myself about being clinical in front of goal and being ruthless. I had a couple [of chances] in the first half that maybe should have gone in, but I kept going, getting in the right positions and the two came off.”
