Manchester United boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has insisted that Jesse Lingard has "a big part" to play for the club amid the ongoing speculation surrounding the attacker.

Lingard was not available for his side's 2021-22 Premier League opener against Leeds United due to coronavirus, but he has returned to training over the last week.

The England international scored in a behind-closed-doors friendly with Burnley on Tuesday, meanwhile, and is in contention to be a part of the squad against Southampton in the league this weekend.

West Ham United continue to be linked with a permanent move for the 28-year-old, but Solskjaer has suggested that he is planning to keep the academy product at the club.

"I think Jesse's first priority is to get into our team, whenever your employer is Manchester United that's your first priority, it always is. We together can have great moments," Solskjaer told reporters.

"As a manager, with players and a squad, like I've got now, it's difficult to say this weekend you're not playing. I've got to leave players out of the starting XI and squad. But they all have to remember they're going to play a part if we're gonna be successful.

"Jesse's back to fitness played really well in the behind-closed-doors game, come back in good shape, he's got a big part to play."

Lingard's existing deal with the 20-time English champions is due to expire next June. body check tags ::