Lingard: Rashford Has Been "Amazing"

Jesse Lingard has described Manchester United team-mate Marcus Rashford as "amazing", following the striker's stunning free-kick during Thursday's 1-0 win over Celta Vigo.

Rashford's second-half effort proved decisive as the Reds built an important first-leg advantage in northern Spain, ahead of next week's return match at Old Trafford.

Speaking exclusively to ManUtd.com after the game, Lingard praised his fellow Academy graduate, and revealed how the pair worked together to craft the goal.

“He’s been amazing and he's come tremendously far," he said. "It’s all about hard work and dedication, you know – he’s just got to keep going now. Hopefully, if we get to the final, he can score again.

“He’s been put on set pieces lately, and he told me to move out of the way when he was taking it, so I did. I think it helped put the goalkeeper off, because he took a step to his left and that opened up the space for Marcus to score.

“With me, Rashy and Mkhitaryan going forward, I think we exploited the space against Celta Vigo and counter-attacked really well. I think having that pace can be important.”

The result means that United are now just 90 minutes away from reaching the Europa League final, and Jesse says that the players are in high spirits ahead of Sunday's Premier League clash with Arsenal.

“I think everyone is confident," Lingard added. "We want to go on and win the competition. Obviously, we’re still fighting in the Premier League as well, but we’ve got to pull together as a squad now and kick on.

“When you win during the week, taking that into the game at the weekend is important for your confidence. We’ll have to be ready for Sunday, it’s another tough game. Every game from now until the end of the season is massive and we’re going to treat them all like a final. Hopefully we can kick on."