Lingard: Confidence High For Chelsea Game

Manchester United winger Jesse Lingard says confidence is soaring as the Reds head into Sunday's clash at Chelsea on the back of a resounding 4-1 win over Turkish side Fenerbahce.

The 23-year-old netted United's fourth goal from distance in what proved to be a dominant home performance in the Europa League. Paul Pogba's brace, the first of which was a penalty, and Anthony Martial's spot-kick had earlier given the Reds a comfortable half-time lead in the Group A game.

"I think our confidence is very high now and we’ll now prepare for the next couple of days for the big game on Sunday," Lingard told MUTV.

"The home games are key because if we get the majority of points at home, we can take more confidence into the away games. We go to Fenerbahce in a couple of weeks so we will be preparing also for that."

Lingard was one of seven players brought into the starting line-up as Jose Mourinho understandably made alterations to the team which played out a physically-demanding 0-0 draw at Liverpool just three nights earlier. Jesse felt further changes, on the pitch during the game, helped to unsettle Fenerbahce.

"The front four players had the licence to go on and play and there was a lot of chopping and changing of positions which I think kept their defenders on their toes," said Lingard, who set up Pogba's glorious strike from open play before netting his own beauty after the break.

"Goals and assists are especially key for me this season and I was able to get one of each tonight so I need to kick on now."
Lingard netted six times for United last season, including February's Goal of the Month in the 1-1 draw at Stamford Bridge - the venue for Sunday's Premier League game. Naturally he's hoping the Reds can go one better this weekend and claim the win.

"I enjoyed it last time when I was there and it was nice to be on the scoresheet," said Lingard. "We drew though so hopefully we can get the win this time.

"We know it’s going to be a tough game against Chelsea but we are mentally prepared for that. We have the confidence now to go on and win every game."