Lingard Reveals Rio Ferdinand Advice

Jesse Lingard has revealed he still keeps in touch with former Manchester United colleague Rio Ferdinand and asks the ex-England defender for advice on his game.

Ferdinand, who retired last year, praised the Reds midfielder for his excellent performance in the Manchester derby victory last time out in the Barclays Premier League and the comments did not go unnoticed by the 23-year-old.

In an exclusive interview with Sunday's United Review, the official matchday programme, Lingard speaks at length about his role in the side and his progress this season.

Ferdinand tweeted to say: "Lingard... [is a] proper footballer. Does what most kids these days don't appreciate - intelligent movement off the ball."

When asked if he had seen the comment, Lingard replied: "I did. I think, especially if you’re playing in the no.10 role, you’re always going to need that intelligence and that vision to see things around you to find that killer pass. But Rio saying that gives you another massive confidence boost. I still speak to Rio now and then.

"He’s always looked out for me and I still ask for advice and stuff like that. I’ll see if he watches the games.

"Things like that are always going to spur you on and make you hungry for more," he added. "I’ve just got to keep my feet on the ground and work hard. It’s only my first season, I’ve not really made it yet. I’ve got to keep working hard on the pitch.

"I cannot let my foot off the gas. I’ve got to keep going now until the end of the season and play as many games as I can. We must stay in the FA Cup and get into that top four."