This Iron is ready for a run of games

(Photo by Julian Finney/Getty Images)

Nikola Vlasic is beginning to show why Jesse Lingard may well remain unrequired at the London Stadium in January or next summer.

Constant speculation over the Manchester United attacking midfielder has been continuing since the player finished his loan spell with us last season.

And the fact that -presumably because we live in a footballing world where near instant results are expected of new players – Vlasic’s regular absence from the Premier League starting line-up has helped to fuel the view that he may not be up to it.

But his last two appearances – notably last night’s when he often looked the most creative player on the pitch at times – have surely helped him seal  a start against Southampton on Boxing Day and the away clash with Watford on the 28th.

He needs to be given more of the ball and as was the case last night if he does he will start to cause problems.

David Moyes must have thought long and hard before moving for him but that he did – at around £20 million – speaks well for the player.

Why he removed him from the action last night is one of those mysteries to which we won’t get an answer.

He was certainly better than either Lanzini or Benrahma – the supposed creators and I think his time may well have come.

I certainly hope so as personally I think this guy has a lot to offer following a period of adjustment at the club.