Chapter 843: Lingard's Departure
When January arrived, the winter transfer window opened across the football world. However, transfer rumors and player acquisitions seemed to have little to do with Manchester United, who continued their march forward steadily.
Yet, just as the window was about to close, United made an official announcement — midfielder Jesse Lingard would join West Ham United on loan until the end of the season. He would wear the number 11 shirt.
According to Sky Sports, West Ham agreed to pay a £1.5 million loan fee and cover Lingard's full wages.
Lingard's current contract with United ran until the summer of 2022. Since the last match day of the previous Premier League season, he hadn't made a single league appearance. This season, he had featured only three times in cup matches.
After struggling for playing time and facing fierce competition in United's star-studded midfield, Lingard sought a permanent move away. However, with his market value having dropped sharply over the past six months, United denied his request for a full transfer but agreed to a loan move so he could get minutes elsewhere.
Coincidentally, former United manager David Moyes had taken charge of West Ham again and approached his old club for assistance. After discussions, United agreed to loan Lingard out to reunite with his former boss.
...
In his first interview with West Ham TV, Lingard said:
"I'm really excited — this is a new chapter in my life. Nothing is guaranteed, but I'll work hard, bring my experience, and help the team — that's my main goal. I just want to enjoy football again, play matches, and rediscover my rhythm."
"There were several clubs interested in me, but personally, I feel I've made the right choice. Obviously, I've worked with Moyes before when he was United's manager. He knows what I can do and what I bring to the team. I also know a few of the lads here — during my time with the England squad, I got to know Declan Rice really well, so I think I'll settle in quickly."
"It's important for a player to have a good relationship with the manager. Moyes is a great person; he always pushes his team to improve. We've talked, but now it's up to me to perform, to fit in, and earn my place every week."
"I can't wait to show West Ham fans what I can do. I'm excited and ready to help this team pick up as many points as possible."
Moyes, for his part, was delighted, saying:
"Lingard is very versatile. When he was younger, he played on the right or left wing; for England, he's been a No.10 or an 8, and he can even play as a false 9 if needed. He works hard, he's efficient, and he gives us options. He's a great fit for our squad."
...
United's final match of January was away at the Emirates Stadium against Arsenal.
On the evening of January 30, the lights at the Emirates shone brightly as the marquee Premier League Round 21 clash began.
United sat comfortably atop the table, dominant and confident. Arsenal, however, had improved in December, climbing up to 10th, just three points behind eighth-placed Aston Villa.
With referee Michael Oliver's whistle, the Gunners attacked first.
Within the opening ten seconds, they broke down the left, forcing João Cancelo to block a cross that rebounded out for a throw-in. Arsenal continued pressing high.
In the 3rd minute, a through pass from midfield found Alexandre Lacazette clear on goal—but the assistant referee's flag went up. Offside.
After surviving the early pressure, United mounted a dangerous counterattack.
İlkay Gündoğan picked up the ball in midfield, spotting Bruno running into space. But his through pass was too obvious, lacking power, and was intercepted by an Arsenal defender.
...
As Bruno jogged back, he clapped toward Gündoğan, hiding his thoughts behind a calm expression.
Arsenal were using a 4-4-2 formation on paper, but in practice it shifted to a 4-5-1. Their intention was clear—pack the midfield and cut off the supply line between United's midfield and attack.
Each time Gündoğan got the ball, Arsenal's press snapped in instantly.
Without service, United's forwards were isolated.
Moments later, United earned a throw on the left, but Arsenal pressed high again, squeezing the play into the Red Devils' own third.
Luke Shaw threw the ball to Marcus Rashford, who was immediately closed down and forced to pass back to David de Gea.
De Gea recycled possession through Virgil van Dijk, but Arsenal pushed up even further, pressing deep into United's penalty area.
When Arsenal's front line pressed, their defense also moved up to maintain compactness.
Bruno keenly observed all this, recognizing how difficult it was for United to build out under Arsenal's high press.
Van Dijk and Harry Maguire exchanged passes under pressure, then recycled back to De Gea, whose long diagonal found Shaw—but he was penned in again, forced to pass backward.
At that moment, Arsenal's defense had only two center-backs left marking Bruno and Harry Kane. They assumed the situation was safe.
But that assumption came with one fatal oversight—this was Bruno Fernandes they were dealing with.
...
With a quick glance around, Bruno made his move—dropping deep to ask for the ball.
Van Dijk, already alert, reacted instantly. He sidestepped one press, skimmed forward, and struck a low pass thirty-five meters downfield straight into Arsenal's half.
Bruno was ready. David Luiz tracked him tightly, knowing he couldn't prevent the trap but intent on stopping the turn.
Bruno read it perfectly. Instead of controlling it facing goal, he flicked a half-volley off the outside of his right foot, rolling it into the open space to his right.
The ball bounced just ahead—sharp and precise. Luiz lunged but Bruno got there first, using his body to shield him off. He saw the line: a touch with his left foot, and the ball looped delicately past the defender into the danger zone behind the line.
...
"United launch a quick counter from the back—long pass to Bruno!"
"Bruno controls with a deft touch, rolls it to the right, turns, and sends it through with his left foot!"
"Harry Kane's onside—what a chance!"
"GOOOOOOOOOOOOOALLLLLLLLL!!!!"
"Six minutes in—and Manchester United strike first!"
"It's Harry Kane! He didn't waste Bruno's brilliant setup, timing his run perfectly to stay onside before finishing calmly!"
"1–0!"
"The replay shows Van Dijk's pass was pinpoint. Bruno's control and awareness were outstanding, but the real magic was his body shield and left-foot assist through the gap!"
"Arsenal forgot—Bruno may be right-footed, but his left is equally deadly."
"1–0 United lead at the Emirates!"
"Look at Mourinho on the sidelines—absolutely thrilled! Pushing Bruno to the right wing was a masterstroke so far."
"Arsenal are on the back foot early!"
...
After United's wild celebration, the game resumed.
Frustration crept into Arsenal's play—they pressed recklessly and began committing fouls. Cedric Soares even picked up a yellow card early.
In the 16th minute, United created another chance. Cancelo and Gündoğan combined on the right, feeding Bruno at the top of the box. He took one touch and unleashed a shot—but it hit a defender straight on.
Bruno spread his arms in exasperation. Arsenal's marking had tightened significantly, closing his space to operate.
As time went on, the Gunners regained composure. Experience showed—they were still a big club.
United, a goal up, shifted to Mourinho's signature setup—solid defense and rapid counterattacks. The team dropped deep, waiting for moments to strike with pace from their front three.
Though Arsenal dominated possession, they rarely threatened. United's defensive line, compact and disciplined, countered danger with speed and precision.
Each breakaway from the Red Devils left the home crowd nervous—one mistake, and the visitors would surely punish them again.
(END CHAPTER)
Thank you for the support, friends. If you want to read more chapters in advance, go to my Patreon.
Read 40 Chapters In Advance: patreon.com/Cortez10