Lingard feels United must set the tone
Jesse Lingard believes it is imperative that Manchester United set the tone in the early exchanges against Wolves at Molineux tonight (Tuesday).
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's men are determined to put things right in the Black Country, after suffering a recent 2-1 defeat at the same venue in the Emirates FA Cup quarter-final.
As Wolves also took a point from a 1-1 draw at Old Trafford, it is clear the Reds are due a top performance against Nuno Espirito Santo's side.
With this fixture brought forward from the weekend due to Wolves' FA Cup semi-final with Watford on Sunday, it could provide another vital step in helping United claim a top-four place in the Premier League and, hence, confirm qualification for next season's Champions League.
"It's all about setting the tone from the beginning," Lingard told MUTV. "We need everyone to do that. So, on Tuesday night, we'll see what the style is like.
"Ole is all about energy and passion and showing that fight. If the lads can do that on the night, then I'm sure we can win the game."
After beating Watford last Saturday, this will be another test of the team's mettle against a side placed seventh in the table, and one who have enjoyed a fabulous first campaign back in the top flight.
"We got the win at the weekend against Watford and the main focus is on Wolves and we have to exploit their backline, considering we didn’t really put them under too much pressure in the last game [in the FA Cup]," said Lingard.
"The start against Watford wasn't the start we wanted. We need to start playing forward more, playing quicker with a bit more energy about us. We must try to put them on the back foot and go from there."
"The main focus is on Wolves and we have to exploit their backline, considering we didn’t really put them under too much pressure in the last game."
Lingard returned from injury before the international break, starting in the cup tie at Molineux, but only came off the bench against Watford as he continues to be treated carefully. He missed England's Euro 2020 qualifiers but is hoping he will be firing on all cylinders soon.
"I'm back to full fitness," he added. "I think obviously the break helped as I could get the hamstring stronger again to come back and play the rest of the games in the remainder of the season.
"The Wolves tie was a risk. I’ve said that before but it was an FA Cup quarter-final and the manager put me in. It was still a risk and I needed that time out just to rest the hamstring and get it going again."
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