'Lingard is fit, in form and has a part to play'

The 28-year-old spent the second half of 2020/21 on loan at West Ham and was unquestionably one of the Premier League’s outstanding players in that time. 

Lingard returned to United in the summer and displayed an exemplary attitude during the pre-season campaign, scoring in the friendly at QPR.

Unfortunately, Jesse tested positive for COVID-19 ahead of our final warm-up fixture against Everton and therefore had to isolate as per government guidelines. 

That meant the England international was unavailable for last weekend’s glorious 5-1 Premier League win over Leeds United, but he is back now and determined to make an impact.

In fact, our homegrown forward was among the scorers during Tuesday’s behind-closed-doors victory over Burnley at Old Trafford. 

 

Straight back to work💪🏾 happy to be back on the pitch 😁 #jlingz pic.twitter.com/4Uobrj8vbT

— Jesse Lingard (@JesseLingard) August 16, 2021

During Friday’s press conference to preview our trip to Southampton, Solskjaer was asked about Lingard’s chances of playing at United and getting into the England team. 

“I think Jesse’s first priority is to get into our team,” said Ole. “I think whenever your employer is Man United, I think that’s your first priority and always is. 

“I think we, together, can have great moments. Of course, as a manager, with players in a squad like I’ve got now, it’s difficult. It’s difficult to say that ‘this weekend you’re not playing’. 

“Of course, I have to leave players out, never mind from the starting XI but from the squad. But they all have to remember and know they’re going to have to play a part if we’re going to be successful. 

“Jesse is back to his fitness, he played really well in the behind-closed-doors game on Tuesday and he’s come back bubbly and in good shape. He’s got a big part to play.”

Solskjaer is not the only person to praise Lingard this season. 

Jesse’s team-mate Bruno Fernandes went out of his way to acknowledge his friend’s positive attitude, with a tweet comparing the upbeat forward to American entertainer Kevin Hart. 

 

😂 @KevinHart4real you’ve always been my fav comedian...but be careful, JLing is getting pretty close to you

This man always cracks me up!
Can somebody hire him to write his own comedy show? pic.twitter.com/Zv9K3LH6Hr

— Bruno Fernandes (@B_Fernandes8) August 19, 2021