If you have not read Jesse Lingard’s Players’ Tribune post, clear off some time and check it out. You won’t regret it.
Lingard speaks about his past three year journey with United and England, explaining that he was left in tears by his Euro 2020 snub this past summer.
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer comes across well, Jose Mourinho less so, with Lingard explaining how a groin injury left him unable to run the typical distance he used to in games.
Lingard said at times he felt like a ‘ghost’, a shadow of himself, and credits his loan move at West Ham for helping him get back on track.
Of all the players Lingard discusses in the piece, it is teammate Bruno Fernandes who has given him most encouragement.
This may seem a little odd considering it is Fernandes who is now blocking Lingard’s path to the United first team, but it speaks volumes about the Portuguese star’s personality.
Lingard on Fernandes
Lingard told how Fernandes approached him and tried to spur him on, remarking, “I even remember Bruno Fernandes coming to me before a game and saying, “Today I want to see the Jesse Lingard that I know.” All I could think was, “Mate, I can’t, ’cause this is not me!”
The article from Lingard is an eye-opening look into his mental health as well as his physical battle, and how he considering giving up at times before getting back on track.
Lingard added how Fernandes kept on encouraging him during his loan spell.
He said: “Bruno Fernandes referred to me as the “best player in the Premier League” in an interview with United … me!! Can you believe that?!? That’s coming from Bruno!
“I’ve got a lot of love for Bruno. He was dropping me messages of support throughout my loan. To get that recognition from someone at his level was just amazing.”
Excited for what’s next
Lingard closed off the written piece by commenting he is ‘really excited’ about the season ahead and wants to show what he can do.
So far this season he has two goals and one assist, which is not a bad return considering he does not have a Premier League start yet.
That is a figure which has to change, especially with a tough schedule of fixtures upcoming.
Lingard wants to play for United and Solskjaer has to use him or lose him, with the attacker’s contract set to expire at the end of the season. United need to give him enough reason to renew, and that means giving him a fair shot, which he has now shown he deserves once again.
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