Jesse Lingard came on as an early substitute for Paul Pogba in Manchester United’s 4-0 defeat against Liverpool at Anfield.
Although Pogba got the nod before kick-off, the Frenchman limped off the pitch after 10 minutes of action, with United already 1-0 down.
Ralf Rangnick confirmed after the match that Pogba had sustained a calf injury. The midfielder is now expected to miss the next two matches against Arsenal and Chelsea.
Anyhow, Lingard was unable to have an influence on the game as Liverpool sliced through United throughout the game.
He has told the club’s official website that he expected to start the game.
“I’m always ready. Coming on, I knew my role, I knew my job straightaway and I wanted to do my best for the team. Every time I step on the pitch, every time I put a United shirt on, I want to give 110 per cent. Bring energy to the team, do the pressing,” Lingard said.
“For me, I just want to play football. It was great to play against Norwich, I enjoyed it. I was getting into the rhythm of the game but obviously got brought off.
“For this game, I was expecting to start again but then Paul got injured and I came on early enough to play most of the game anyway. I’m always ready, I’m always confident to play. As I said, as soon as I step on the pitch, I give 110 per cent for the shirt.
“It’s horrible for the fans [losing to Liverpool]. You can feel their pain when we’re on the pitch and you see the scoreline, 4-0, it’s really disappointing and we can only say sorry to the fans. I know they back us through thick and thin which we appreciate as players.”
Lingard is considered an attacking player but failed to get a shot off or make a dribble, despite spending 81 minutes on the pitch. Of course, this is not a stat Lingard’s brother will be posting on social media anytime soon.
The England international is among a list of players set to leave Manchester United on a Bosman in the summer.
A return to West Ham could be on the cards.
