West Ham coach Stuart Pearce insisted that Jesse Lingard is 'too good a player' to warm the bench at Old Trafford.
Lingard enjoyed a successful loan spell with the Hammers last season. He recorded nine goals and four assists, winning plaudits for his performances.
West Ham had been keen to bring Lingard back to east London this summer but a deal failed to materialise as the club refused to meet Manchester United's asking price.
Despite West Ham's eagerness to make the deal permanent before the transfer window slammed shut, the 28-year-old returned to Manchester United to fight for his place in Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's squad.
But the midfielder has only played four minutes for United so far this season and faces an uphill battle to earn a starting spot.
This summer's transfer window saw the arrival of Jadon Sancho and the sensational homecoming of Cristiano Ronaldo to bolster United's already jam packed attacking ranks.
Lingard, who has entered the final year of his £100,000-a-week deal at the club, has now reportedly snubbed a new deal due to his concerns over a lack of playing time.
Pearce believes the England international should have made the move away from Old Trafford this summer and fears he may have missed his chance.
'He has missed the opportunity to leave United in this transfer window,' Pearce told TalkSPORT via the Evening Standard.
'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.'
David Moyes could consider returning to the negotiating table in January if Lingard struggles for game time under Solskjaer.
With his contract set to expire next summer, Lingard is free to talk to clubs in January with a view to leaving for free at the end of the season.
