Jamie Redknapp: 23-year-old proving why he deserves Man United place
The Liverpool FC legend heaps praise on Manchester United midfielder Jesse Lingard
Jamie Redknapp believes Jesse Lingard’s recent performances have proven why the England midfielder deserves a place in the Manchester United team.
Lingard scored the Red Devils’ fourth goal in a 4-2 win at Watford thanks to a brilliant solo run before he finish past Hornets goalkeeper Heurelho Gomes.
Manchester United manager Jose Mourinho opted to stick with Lingard for the trip to title rivals Arsenal at the Emirates Stadium on Saturday evening.
The decision paid dividends after Lingard doubled the away side’s lead in the 11th minute following Antonio Valencia’s fourth-minute.
The versatile England midfielder restored Manchester United’s two-goal cushion with a close-range finish following Paul Pogba’s excellent run.
Lingard has scored three goals and has made three assists in three starts and eight substitute appearances in the 2017-18 season so far.
Former Liverpool midfielder Redknapp is impressed with how the 23-year-old has seized his chance to impressive Mourinho’s team over the past week.
“What a week for Jesse Lingard. After his superb solo goal to kill off Watford in midweek, he sank Arsenal with two clinical finishes,” Redknapp told the Daily Mail.
“Now he has made everyone stand up and take notice, Lingard has to keep showing why he commands a place in this Manchester United side.
“All too often, he seems more interested in making sure he is part of his team-mates’ goal celebrations. Is it because he feels he needs to prove that he belongs among United’s galaxy of stars? The best way to do that is by putting in more match-winning displays.
“Lingard is blessed with a cool head in front of goal. Contrast that with Arsenal striker Danny Welbeck, who often looks unbalanced when he shoots.
“Lingard is clearly not fussed by being in the limelight. Now he needs to create more magic moments to keep him there.”
Lingard has a history of scoring in Manchester United’s biggest games after finding the net in their recent FA Cup and League Cup successes.
Manchester United are in second place in the Premier League table and eight points behind leaders Manchester City ahead of next weekend’s derby.
