Jesse Lingard applauds Manchester United fans after a 4-1 over Newcastle United.

Lingard: Our confidence is flowing at the moment

Tuesday 31 December 2019 11:55

Jesse Lingard says confidence is running high among the Manchester United players after a successful festive period.

The Reds earned back-to-back Premier League wins against Newcastle United and Burnley over Christmas, which has helped us close the gap to fourth-placed Chelsea.

Our trip to Arsenal on New Year's Day will be another big test, but after ending 2019 with two hard-fought wins, Jesse is looking to start 2020 on the right foot.
Arsenal away: Ole's press conference Video

Arsenal away: Ole's press conference

The manager previewed our clash with Arsenal and looked ahead to 2020 in his media briefing, conducted on Saturday...

“We take a lot of belief [from those wins] and the confidence is flowing at the moment,” our no.14 said. 

“Away games are always tough and you get your hostile atmospheres, but we’re used to that and as long as we stick to our gameplan and our tactics, then hopefully we can win the game. Confidence and focus is very important.

“It could be a game where Arsenal have a lot of the ball, or we have a lot of the ball, but we’re a very good counterattacking team and a very good transition team, so hopefully we can catch them on the break here and there. 

“We’ve done it most times when we’ve played them away, so that will hopefully be one of our strong points.”
The Gunners, of course, are something of an unknown under the stewardship of new manager Mikel Arteta - who will take charge of his third match on Wednesday - but Jesse believes the Reds have to focus on our own game at the Emirates Stadium.

“It can be difficult if you don’t know the style of play [when a new manager comes in],” he admitted. “But we’ll be well prepared and it’s about focus and concentration and keeping that consistency in every game, and having the same mentality.”

Lingard has enjoyed facing Arsenal over the years - in fact, he’s scored more times against the Gunners (4) than any other opponent. The attacker has flourished during recent trips to the Emirates, netting three times in as many appearances at the ground.

“I’ve got good memories from some goals there,” he said, with a grin. “But I always take more joy out of winning the game with the team and taking the three points. Any away game against a top team is an important one.”

Two men who could be crucial to us picking up three points on New Year's Day are Marcus Rashford and Anthony Martial. The duo are in fine form at present, and both were on target during the wins over Newcastle and Burnley. For Jesse, he believes the pair’s good form is down to their dedication and teamwork.

“They’ve been firing. It’s been great to watch and they’re still young with so much potential. They’re very humble guys too and they want to work hard day in, day out, which is great to see.

“They’ve played together for a few years now and they understand each other and have a good relationship off the pitch as well - that definitely helps.”

Manchester United’s New Year's Day game with Arsenal kicks-off at at 20:00 GMT and you can follow live updates via our Official App.

Recommended: