Former Premier League midfielder Jamie O'Hara believes there is no chance that Manchester United will allow Jesse Lingard to return to West Ham.

The Lowdown: Lingard excels at West Ham

The Hammers enjoyed an excellent 2020/21 season and Lingard ended up being one of their star men, despite only arriving on loan in January. The midfielder scored nine goals and registered four assists in just 16 Premier League appearances, becoming an instant crowd favourite in the process.

The 28-year-old returned to United at the end of the campaign, but he has again struggled for playing time at Old Trafford, failing to start a single league game in 2021/22.

The Latest: O'Hara has his doubts

Despite rumours linking Lingard with a return to West Ham, O'Hara doesn't see it happening for a second time.

Speaking on talkSPORT Breakfast on Monday [via Read West Ham], the 35-year-old insisted that Manchester United wouldn't sell to the Hammers now that they are a direct rival. He said:

"As if Man United are going to allow Jesse Lingard to go to West Ham – they are above them in the table. That’s not going to happen, that’s competition.

"There is no way they are going to allow a top player, who was brilliant for West Ham when he went there. They aren't going to allow him to go on loan there this season when they are in direct competition. That’s never going to happen."

The Verdict: Ideal January arrival

David Moyes' Irons are on fire at the moment, sitting third in the table and having the strongest group of players at the club in years. If Lingard were to come back in January, it would arguably feel like the icing on the cake, giving West Ham even more quality in midfield and attacking areas.

It is sad to see him getting so little game-time at Manchester United, with the 28-year-old someone who should be starting regularly for a top-flight club based off his performances at the start of 2021. He has been described as 'brilliant' by Red Devils boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer despite the Norwegian continually overlooking him from his team selection.

However, as O'Hara says, it would be a surprise if Lingard were to return to the London Stadium this season considering that the Hammers are in a top-four battle with Manchester United.

In other news, some West Ham fans love a recent update on a key Hammers player. Find out who it is here.