No depth, so injuries would kill them. Europa, so no way they avoid injuries/fatigue, and only eight days to add players. Red card today made it easy v. Liecester, but still. Can they finish top 8? Or maybe even 6? Certainly playing for each other and for Moyes. Thoughts?

They finished 2 points out of the Champions League and 1 point off fifth last year. So of course they can finish Top 6 or 8. They've got depth issues, but shouldn't have to use many first team guys through the EL Group Stage. Maybe Lingard comes in, maybe not. They've got some talent and a decent manager. Defensively they aren't great and depth is a problem, but hell, the competition for the Europa and Europa Conference League spots isn't exactly fierce at the moment. They have a half decent chance at finishing 5th. Honestly, the further they go in Europa, they further down the table I'd put them. So the question is, how much to they push for Europa?

Lingard was there on loan. He's back with United.

A Lingard for Declan Rice trade is apparently on the table.

I'm not very familiar with West Ham's roster but I'm not sure that swap makes West Ham better...unless they use the additional money from United (it would certainly be Lingard and cash for Rice) to find a good replacement for Rice or they already have someone who can step in for Rice and perform at a someone similar level. If they really want to improve their squad and add depth, they just need to pay for Lingard outright. While United probably want to address 2 problems at once (shifting squad players and adding CM talent), I think they'd benefit enough from just a straight sale for it to happen assuming the two can agree on a fee.

I wouldn't sacrifice the EL for the league. I might if I thought doing so could get me top 4 but it very likely will not. And what good is it to sacrifice the EL just so you can...improve chances of qualifying for next year's EL? Go for the EL, let the league chips fall as they may.

They are trying to sign him permanently.

Would think with CR7 going to Man Utd, Lingard might be more motivated to go back to West Ham. Thoughts?