Lingard signs contract extension at Old Trafford

JESSE Lingard has signed a new and improved deal that will keep him at Manchester United until at least 2021.

With the club since the age of seven, the winger established himself in the first-team under Louis van Gaal last season after several loan spells away from Old Trafford.

Lingard ended the campaign by netting the winner in the FA Cup Final and this term scored at Wembley in United’s Community Shield and EFL Cup triumphs.

The 24-year-old’s performances have led to four England appearances and his club to negotiate a new deal, with the academy graduate’s contract expiring at the end of next season.

Lingard has now signed an agreement keeping him at Old Trafford until June 2021, with the option to extend for a further year.

“Manchester United has always been a big part of my life,” the winger said.

“I have been with the club since the age of seven and I feel great pride every time I pull the shirt on. To have scored in two cup finals for my boyhood club were immensely proud moments for me and my family.

“As a team, we have already won a major trophy this season and I look forward to helping us win many more under this great manager.

Lingard’s deal is reported to be worth £100,000-a-week and comes after blossoming late at Old Trafford, having been farmed out on loan to Leicester, Birmingham, Brighton and Derby.

Manager Jose Mourinho was delighted to see Lingard put pen to paper, saying, “He has good intelligence which, when combined with his energy and ability, makes for a player with a great future.”

Divock Origi