Lingard: A Statement Of Intent

Jesse Lingard believes Manchester United's dramatic late win over Watford will heap pressure on the Barclays Premier League's other title challengers.

Louis van Gaal's side needed a last-gasp own goal from Troy Deeney that was inspired by good work from Bastian Schweinsteiger to claim all three points, after the Hornets striker's penalty had cancelled out an early strike from Memphis in the first half.

Lingard, who retained his place in the starting line-up for the clash at Vicarage Road after impressing against West Brom, says the victory is a signal of intent heading into a busy period.

“It’s massive," he told ManUtd.com. "It’s a bit of a statement to the other teams, who will look at this and see we’ve won. It puts a bit more pressure on them, but it’s a good feeling to be back up there.

"It was a great way to end the game. I thought it was a scrappy match overall, the conditions didn’t help, but we had to keep our concentration throughout and it’s great to get the win.

"There are a lot of games coming up, we’ve got a lot of injuries at the moment and have to adapt to that, I thought we did that well today. As long as we win as many games as we can over Christmas, I think we’ll be fine.”

Asked whether or not he believed the Reds could find a winner after being pegged back late on, the wide man added: “Definitely. We created a lot of chances, and personally I should have scored a couple of clear-cut chances. I’ve obviously got to work on that but it’s great to see Basti at the back post to stick one in at the end. It’s been a long time coming for him, and he’s deserved it."