Dean Henderson has defended Jesse Lingard following his former Manchester United teammate’s decision to snub West Ham and join Nottingham Forest.
After ending his contract with Manchester United, Lingard opted to sign for Nottingham Forest despite being linked to West Ham, where he enjoyed an excellent loan in the 2020/21 season.
Lingard had nine goals and five assists in 16 appearances for West Ham
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– A return to West Ham seemed like the natural next step for Lingard, but instead he joined Forest on a free transfer.
Lingard pocketing a £200,000-a-week salary has reportedly not sat well with some Hammers fans, but Henderson insists the midfielder’s reasons for joining newly promoted Forest were not motivated by money.
“Jesse is buzzing like me,” Henderson told talkSPORT. “I was texting him every day, pushing him over the line to ask him to come and join me.
“He believes in the project and it is a win-win for all parties. I think it’s a great business, he brings quality to the team and I can’t wait for him to fly again and feel loved again.
You will feel loved here. The guys will support him, the coach will support him and the fans will support him and he will feel loved. He will be excited to get going again.
“Having a manager put his arm around you and tell you he’s not going to let you down and things like that is very helpful. It’s no secret, it’s the managers who bring out the best in you.
“He also had a difficult season last year, people got in his way not letting him go play football and as it was for me, it’s hard for him to accept.
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– Lingard struggled for playing time last season, making just four starts for Man United in all competitions.
“He wanted to go play football this year and he got that reward and I look forward to seeing him in action.”
Henderson also questioned West Ham’s desire to re-acquire Lingard.
“Obviously he built a good relationship with the West Ham fans so I’m not sure beating him up was great,” Henderson added.
“West Ham was there, but did they really want it? I’m not so sure.
“You just have to take it with a pinch of salt. I did my best, I got off social media and it’s been great. I love life and I don’t worry about everything, I don’t read any of the garbage out there.
“I know Jesse is active in it, maybe that’s detrimental to him, but I don’t think he really cares. He is a personality and he is so confident and he has so much ability and I just hope he puts in the performances that I know he can for Forest.”
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