PREMIER LEAGUE LINGARD’S DILEMMA

United man knows he would play more if he left Old Trafford... but also needs to stay to boost his England chances

FIVE years ago today, there was a special moment down in the bowels of Wembley Stadium.

Gareth Southgate, ahead of his first game as an international manager, presented a first England senior shirt to Jesse Lingard.

The Manchester United man had done well for the new senior boss at Under-21 level and Southgate can be very loyal.

But, half a decade on, Lingard, 28, stands at something of an international crossroads.

With his opportunities at Old Trafford limited, Lingard fell out of the squad, even though he performed with distinction at World Cup 2018.

But a rejuvenating loan spell at West Ham (above, left) got him back into the England fold.

He just missed the cut for the Euros, but is back again.

However, deep down, Lingard knows he has to get more chances at United to have a fighting chance of making it to the World Cup.

He said: “The World Cup is a long way away, but you need regular football. I was so close to going to the Euros, so I think it plays a huge part. You know if you’re playing over 20, 25 games, you’re knocking on the door, so it does play a big part.”

But, so far this season, Lingard has made five substitute appearances and been kept on the bench on three occasions.

He has started just one club game and was replaced midway through the second half of United’s Carabao Cup defeat to West Ham (above).

“I think I’m not doing any harm at the moment,” Lingard insisted. “If I keep performing well, you never know what might happen, so I keep confident in myself.”

Pointedly, though, Lingard (right, in England training) refuses to discuss his contract situation.

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has said he wants Lingard to stay, but then he would. No one in executive power would want Lingard to leave on a free.

His current deal expires at the end of this season and he is clearly not ready to talk about a new one.

Ironically, he is happy to talk about two arrivals who have made his place in the pecking order even less secure.

Jadon Sancho has been struggling for his best form, but Lingard said: “We all know Jadon’s a world-class player and I feel like he’s slowly adapting now.

“We can see that in training and there’s no doubt he will succeed.”

There are no such struggles for Cristiano Ronaldo.

Lingard said: “He’s been brilliant. He’s brought so much to the team.

“He wants to win in training, he wants to win in games and he wants to win trophies.

“To have him back home is perfect for us at the moment.”