West Ham coach Stuart Pearce insists Jesse Lingard is too good for the Manchester United bench.

Lingard enjoyed a successful loan spell with the Hammers last season. He recorded nine goals and four assists, winning plaudits for his performances.

"He has missed the opportunity to leave United in this transfer window," Pearce told TalkSPORT.

"He can reassess his situation come January once again and decide whether there is an opportunity to move clubs or whatever. He holds the cards. The most important thing for him at the moment is his football.

"He is playing the odd game for United and playing extremely well for England. Those performances for England might just help get him in the United side.

"He is too good a player to be sat on the outside of it not playing to be honest. He is at an age where he needs to be playing now."