Lingard Grateful For Rooney Influence

Jesse Lingard has spoken of the positive influence Wayne Rooney has had on the youngster's Manchester United career so far and the overriding effect the captain has on everyone in the dressing room.

Lingard came off the bench to make his first appearance for over a year in Saturday's 3-0 victory at Everton as the Reds ran out deserved victors.

Rooney fired United's third goal, which took him alongside club legend Andy Cole as the Barclays Premier League's second all-time top scorer on 187.

Lingard praised the skipper's qualities and discussed the inspiring impact Rooney has on the whole squad.

"He might not seem it but he’s a bubbly character," the 22-year-old told reporters. "He goes to each group like the foreigners and youngsters and has chats with everybody and tries to help everyone.

"He’s a world-class player. We see it in training every day. He’s got goals – he’s always got goals. He’s the captain and he leads the team. He sets a great example and I follow him.

"I see him as a friend now. I’ve been around him most years coming through the ranks. When I was in the Under-18s I started mixing with the first team and I saw him about. Even then he still helped me along the way as he does now.

"We have lots of quality players but he’s scored a lot of goals for the club and has helped Manchester United get where we are today."

Lingard was delighted to be back in action following his recovery from a long-term injury, suffered on his senior debut against Swansea City last August.

Reports had suggested the attacker might go out on loan during 2015/16, but Lingard revealed that Louis van Gaal is keen to have him involved in first-team matters this term.

"The manager told me he wanted me to stay [at the start of the season] and could see me playing games this season. I think Saturday won’t do me any harm," Lingard added. "He trusts me and I have to pay him back by playing well."