When Manchester United faced Arsenal, he came up with the goods. When they were 2-0 down at half-time at home to Burnley, he game up with two more to level the game and salvage a point for his side. Jesse Lingard is more than just a man on form – he’s a man who delivers when his team needs him.
To say that they need him now, though, would be an understatement. Winless in three in all competitions, Manchester United are in danger of ending 2017 on a run of four without a win. That Southampton – a team who are in just as disappointing a run as the Old Trafford club – should pose such a threat might seem strange, but given the festive fixture pile-up, and Jose Mourinho’s refusal to rotate so far during this period, it might not be so far-fetched.
A trip to Everton is up for United just 48 hours after they host Southampton, and both games have become quite important in the context of the season: the league title may now be well beyond the Red Devils, but Jose Mourinho’s side have not been lower than second in the league so far this season – they would fall off that perch very quickly if their winless run continues.
With that in mind, we asked Manchester United fans if they thought Mourinho should rest Jesse Lingard for Saturday’s home match against Southampton, keeping him fresh for what might be a tougher test away to Everton – who have kept five clean sheets in seven since the arrival of Sam Allardyce.
Fans of the Old Trafford club are overwhelming in their response, however. 87% of the United fans we polled are adamant that Lingard’s form should be exploited while it’s red hot, and with a win needed as soon as possible, we can’t blame them for wanting their form attacker in the side against a Southampton side who will likely defend deep and look to spring a surprise on the counter.
The only problem is, can he do it twice in three days?
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