Lingard boost just the tonic United need

PREMIER League managers normally watch their players on international duty from behind the sofa, but Jose Mourinho might just have come out of hiding when Jesse Lingard scored his second goal in as many games for England against Croatia.

How the Reds have missed Lingard so far this season. His game intelligence, ability to link midfield and attack and knack of popping up with important goals were all valuable to Mourinho’s side last term.

But the 25-year-old lightens the mood of any team he’s in. While the Reds can occasionally seem locked in Mourinho’s tactical straitjacket, Lingard has the ability to free them. He plays with a sense of fun and freedom and that is something United badly need.

It’s been a frustrating season so far for Lingard, with just seven starts for his club as he battled a World Cup hangover and a niggling injury.

The last week might just be the catalyst he needs to rediscover his best form, though.

It was at this stage of last season that it clicked for Lingard and goals against the US and Croatia for England will give the Warrington-born midfielder and his club manager hope that it’s about to happen again.

Before the November international break at this stage of last season, he had scored just three times in 16 games. It was during the busy run leading up to Christmas and in the New Year that he really found form, though.

There were 10 goals in 23 games between the return to action and the next international break in March. It coincided with United’s most productive run of form and Lingard was one of the most important players in the team during that spell.

The period between now and the next international break is where seasons are made, or seasons are ruined. The games come thick and fast and momentum can build quickly, both positive and negative, so seeing Lingard return to his best could be perfect timing for United.

Consider what Mourinho said of Lingard in the summer.

“He is a naughty but funny guy. He is the funny one that doesn’t disturb the class. He is the funny one that the teacher isn’t upset with,” the United boss said.

Without him that sense of fun and freedom hasn’t been glimpsed as often this season. Results have sucked some of that from United, but Lingard could provide the spark to lighten the mood around Old Trafford.

Mourinho will be hoping his international heroics with the Three Lions have helped him rediscover the magic touch that inspired United at this stage of last season.