Manchester United aren’t quite flying on all cylinders, which can be said for all of the years since the great Sir Alex Ferguson announced his retirement, but at least they still know how to develop a decent young player.
Jesse Lingard is one of the latest youngsters to rise through Manchester United’s academy and into the first-team, showing that you don’t always need to spend big on a new player as he ousted a hapless £25m signing Memphis Depay out of the starting line-up last season.
Since then, Lingard has developed into a crucial player for Manchester United, notching up five Premier League starts this season, and has also pushed his way into the England squad, making his debut in a 2-0 World Cup qualifying victory over Malta last month.
Set to be a future hero for Manchester United, here are ten things you may not know about the Red Devils’ academy graduate…
56th England international since 2010
England make their way through a lot of players and a total of 56 players have been called-up by the Three Lions since 2010, the turn of the new decade. Some have been a success, others not so much, and it’ll be interesting to see how many caps Lingard has by 2020.
Coached by Ronaldo
Cristiano Ronaldo wasn’t always the global superstar he is now. But he was always talented and shared his advice during his time at Manchester United. A video emerged last year of Ronaldo coaching Lingard – and United fans will hope the Portuguese icon’s talent rubbed off on the England man.
Sole survivor of the 2011 FA Youth Cup success
In 2011, a Manchester United youth squad featured the likes of Paul Pogba, a highly-rated Ravel Morrison, Michael Keane and Tyler Blackett. Come the 2016 FA Cup success, Lingard was the only member of that team in the matchday squad.
Guilty of the worst viral video ever
You probably didn’t miss this one but if you did, it’s worth bringing to your attention. Back in August, upon Paul Pogba’s return to Manchester United, the world’s most expensive footballer taught Lingard how to dab. We really wish he hadn’t.
Patience at international level
It took a year for Jesse Lingard to make his debut for England, first being called up to the national squad for a friendly against France in November 2015. A year then went by without another call-up, until he finally got a chance against Malta.
He doesn’t like bullies
In a FA Cup clash against Manchester City last year, Jesse Lingard wasted no time in defending team-mate Marcus Rashford when the striker was accused on diving by Martin Demichelis. Not put off by the Argentine’s intimidating build, Lingard also squared up to Brazilian Fernando.
Four goals on his debut
Having failed to break through into Manchester United’s first-team, Jesse Lingard spent time on loan at Leicester City but it was the following year with Birmingham where he really made his mark – scoring four goals on his debut for the club in a 4-1 victory over Sheffield Wednesday.
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Injured on another debut
Making his first competitive appearance for Manchester United against Swansea City in the first match of the 2014/15 Premier League season, Lingard managed just 24 minutes before being forced off through injury.
Only 79 league appearances
Jesse Lingard turns 24 next month but he only boasts 79 league appearances in his career. That’s put into perspective with the fact that Jack Wilshere has 105 for Arsenal alone and 22-year-old John Stones made 77 during three years at Everton.
Living the dream
Born 20 miles west of Manchester in Warrington, Jesse Lingard has been with Manchester United since the age of seven and told the club this year he’s living the dream. Having scored the winner in the 2016 FA Cup final, the first piece of silverware United have won in the post-Ferguson era, he’s also put his name in history.