Jesse Lingard is somewhat of a polarising figure, as despite popping up with some massive goals over the past few seasons, he has some vocal detractors that feel he isn't up to scratch.
Regardless of how his performances are received, Jose Mourinho is a fan and judging by his trust in Lingard in situations such as Chelsea at Old Trafford - probably United's performance of the season - where he played superbly well with Marcus Rashford up front, it's clear he's not going anywhere. Oh, and he did sign a £100,000 a week, 4-year deal back in April.
Man Utd will always try to have academy players and local talent as an influence in the dressing room. It has been a constant over the club's successes, and as long as players work hard, show some quality, and are good for morale, they will be kept around. Unless they're Danny Welbeck oddly enough.
Lingard absolutely is a big part of the Man Utd dressing room, and while his carefree attitude rubs some people up the wrong way, he does seem like a decent chap. A good example of this is footage he uploaded to his Instagram story, where he saw a group of kids playing football and pulled over to join in.
This is class from @JesseLingard's Instagram story today. Stopping to meet some local kids + then having a kickabout pic.twitter.com/4CmTYxfj0V
— The Peoples Person (@PeoplesPerson_) July 4, 2017
That is the absolute dream for someone that age, and they will be telling that story for years to come.
Funnily enough, Harry Kane tells a story about Jermaine Defoe doing the same thing for him while he was at West Ham, and these random acts of humility and spontaneous fun from footballers can have a big impact.
Lingard gets it. Speaking to SoccerBible at the launch of Man Utd's new home jersey he was asked about being spotted in the away end with the supporters when he was injured.
The United fans are really amazing. I was with them in the away end to watch us play Liverpool in the Europa League last year, when I was suspended, and it was a brilliant experience. Very different to what we have become used to as players, but I loved it all the same. When you’re with the fans the emotion really takes over; you get a deeper understanding of what the club means to them and it motivates you to work hard so you can pay them back on the field.
Every good club needs these types of players. Fergie's squads always had fringe players who were content when not picked and gave their best when called upon, while ensuring the culture of the club is preserved.
It seems mad that some United fans want him gone. Quality video. His Snapchat is well worth an add to if you're into that sort of thing.
