Lingard Adamant He Will Prove His Worth

Jesse Lingard is adament he will prove to those who doubt him that he is worthy of a place in Jose Mourinho's first team.

The homegrown midfielder wants to repay Manchester United's faith in him and establish himself as a key part of the team.

Following a knee injury soon after his debut for United in August 2014 under Louis van Gaal, Lingard missed a significant period of the campaign, before going out on loan to Derby.

Fearing that his dreams of playing for United were over, he says he knew he had to press on and prove himself.

"I've had two seasons now in the Premier League. I am getting that experience every season," Lingard said.

"At the moment I am concentrating on playing as many games as I can and doing well for the club, and then we'll see what happens at the end of the season."

The 24-year-old featured for the club 25 times in the Premier League last season, scoring five goals, including key strikes in the EFL Cup final, the FA Cup and the Community Shield.

He recently signed a new contract keeping him at Old Trafford until 2021, on a reported weekly wage of £100,000, which has surprised some spectators.

Some have also criticised Lingard's online activity, particularly with Mourinho's dislike for his players to excessively use social media.

But Lingard said that he thinks people can be quick to judge, and acknowledges that he must continue to work hard.

He said: "Obviously when it comes to training and games, that's the professional environment.

"You've got to do the job on the pitch. First and foremost I put in 100 per cent and I don't think anyone can really complain after that."

Lingard was given his senior debut for England against Malta in 2016 and now has four international caps.

He is now hopeful of a place in England's World Cup squad next summer but is keen to reassure his doubters that Manchester United is his priority.

He said: "First and foremost you've got to concentrate on Manchester United and getting the job done here. If you have a good season, then you get picked for the World Cup."

Credit: Skysports.com