Lingard is one of the big winners on tour of States
“ONE goal and he does an interview,” Jose Mourinho hissed as he crept into shot for Jesse Lingard’s big moment in front of the cameras.
While the exchange was a little awkward, there was a telling moment when he got the Warrington lad in a headlock.
Knowing that his back was to camera, Mourinho afforded himself a smile to match the permanent grin etched on Lingard’s face.
Smiles and tomfoolery have been Lingard’s currency since he burst onto the scene at United, and it is easy to forget he is now just five months shy of his 25th birthday.
As well as being one of the few specialist runners available to him on the flanks, and one capable of dovetailing with Marcus Rashford through the middle, Lingard has proved he can do a tactical job in a big game for Mourinho.
Revelling in the ‘Oscar role’, an attacking midfielder used to close down the opposition’s defensive midfielder, Lingard can also cut off the opposition’s oxygen supply.
It is hardly a surprise, then, that he started a host of high-profile games last season, including the Community Shield, EFL Cup final and both league games against champions Chelsea.
Lingard even created more chances in the league than Anthony Martial, Henrikh Mkhitaryan and Rashford, but only had three assists to show for his team-mates’ finishing.
The attraction with Ivan Perisic is that he is a more traditional winger who will get to the byline and swing in a teasing cross for Romelu Lukaku et al.
No Premier League player, let alone a United player, came close to the 203 crosses the Croatian managed in Serie A last season.
But, given how United played 64 games last season, Mourinho is going to need different wingers depending on the opposition.
And, having handed Lingard a new five-year deal worth £100,000-aweek, the Warrington lad will be one of them.
The 24-year-old is a role model for kids. His love of social media is nothing new and, perhaps, it has been overplayed a little.
Having caught the eye in pre-season - starting all four of United’s games - Lingard has been one of the big winners of this summer’s tour.
Whether it is thriving out of position on the left wing or diligently tracking back and closing down well inside his own area, Lingard has set an example with his attitude in the States.
It was hardly a surprise that he enlisted the services of personal trainer Wayne Richardson to give him a head start last month as he dreams of the World Cup next summer. And you can bet he will keep smiling.