Manchester United youngster Jesse Lingard has voiced his determination to fight for a place in the first team plans of Louis van Gaal, despite the number of high profile signings made this summer.
Lingard was given his first team debut by the Dutch manager last year and has enjoyed very successful loan spells at Midlands clubs Leicester City, Birmingham City and most recently Derby County, with another temporary spell at Brighton. At 22 – 23 in December – Lingard knows it’s now or never but is hopeful that his perseverance may be rewarded.
‘The manager has not said anything to me at the moment regarding my future,’ Lingard told Press Association Sport. ‘I am looking to stay for the first couple of months and see what it’s like. Obviously I would like to stay for the rest of the season, this is my club. This is where I want to stay.’
‘The manager has been playing me off the right this time, and he said he would like to get two players for each position. The tour has been really good at the moment. I was (on loan) last year so it’s good to be back with all the lads and the backroom staff.’
Lingard created the third goal against San Jose this week and is expected to continue to play a part in United’s pre-season against Barcelona this weekend.
Part of the group that won the FA Youth Cup in 2011, Lingard won 11 England under-21 caps, the Warrington-born midfielder’s commitment is commendable.