Lingard opens up about 'difficult' 2019/20 season

Wednesday 29 July 2020 07:00

Jesse Lingard has posted an open and honest message to Manchester United fans, expressing his love for the club and determination to rediscover his best form.

The lifelong Reds supporter stepped off the bench last Sunday to score the winning goal in our 2-0 victory over Leicester City, which crucially secured third place in the Premier League and qualification to next season’s UEFA Champions League. 

A popular figure in the dressing room, Lingard was mobbed by his jubilant team-mates after he capitalised on Kasper Schmeichel’s heavy touch to score his third goal of the season (following previous strikes against Astana and Tranmere Rovers).

By his own admission, Lingard accepts this has not been his best campaign for United but he remains totally focused on helping the club he loves so much, with an attitude that has earned praise from the boss. 
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90 in 20: Leicester 0 United 2

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In a post via his official Instagram account, Lingard addresses his 2019/20 season and looks forward to the future with a positive mindset.

Jesse begins by citing a Michael Jackson lyric, writing: “I’m starting with the man in the mirror, I’m asking him to change his ways.

“This season has been difficult for so many reasons. I lost who I was as a player and person, but I never wanted to give up, I knew who I really was on and off the pitch and knew that having been there before I could get there again. 

“This meant working harder than I'd ever done before and trusting in those around me that they knew how to best help me achieve that. 

“I know the fans have been frustrated but in all this time my love for this club and everyone connected to it has never left me. This team, this club is my family and I will continue to keep working harder than ever to help this team achieve its goals.”

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer was delighted by Lingard’s goalscoring contribution against Leicester and praised the player’s hard-working attitude.

“He’s had a difficult season and a difficult year but everyone has that throughout a career or life, and has been through it and come through it,” said the boss. 

“He’s been excellent in training, lively and bubbly, and I’m very, very happy for him to get the final goal of the Premier League season for us.”

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