Top quotes on Jesse Lingard

Having signed up as a youth for Manchester United in 2000, it was another 14 years before Lingard made his league debut for the club as a professional. Impressing mainly during spells on loan, we take a look at some of the top quotes on Jesse Lingard.

After having become a professional in the summer of 2011, Lingard has played for an assortment of clubs throughout the years on short term loan spells.

Starting off with Leicester City, he has also competed for Birmingham City, Brighton & Hove Albion, Derby County, and West Ham United, for whom he scored an impressive nine league goals in 16 matches during the 2020/21 season.

In fact, so far, half his career league goals of 40 have come in those loan games. Playing in the wing position and as an attacking midfielder, Lingard was picked to first play for England in 2016. After netting his maiden international goal in early 2018, he was selected for the World Cup squad two months later, and duly scored a goal in the 6-1 victory over Panama in the finals.

He was a regular feature in the tournament, and having joined up with Manchester United from the 2015/16 season, was a member of the 2019 Nations League team that came third.

Now back with Manchester United with almost 150 league appearances and with over 30 games for England, the 29-year-old will be looking to push on further in his career.  

“He’s got different qualities and he’s very smart, intelligent and dynamic to look for the ball…..He plays and moves and always looks for the pass and in the box he finishes.” Juan Mata (Manchester United team-mate)

“What I like about him is that he is laid-back, nothing fazes him.” Terry McDermott (Birmingham City assistant manager)

“…..the work ethic on top of the ability is ridiculous.” Lee Clark (Birmingham City manager)

“…..one of the most exciting young English strikers.” Oscar Garcia (Brighton & Hove Albion manager)

“…..he is in better shape than his companions. Now he is playing, he is playing very well.” Louis van Gaal (Manchester United manager)

“…..he’s really scoring and playing his best football and playing with confidence. I think he’s matured as a player…..” Juan Mata (Manchester United team-mate)

“Some players are not capable to do that jump. They go from great potential young players to normal players. I think Jesse is making that jump…..He is being more consistent, he is adaptable, he understands better the game, he understands the different spaces and positions. I think he is going in a good direction.” Jose Mourinho (Manchester United manager)

“He’s done very well and he’s a nice quiet lad with no attitude…..People have said he could be the next Paul Scholes. He plays that kind of way, he’s a technical player who sprays the passes out and he’s got good feet…..” Ken Lingard (grandfather)

“He is one of the most exciting young English strikers…..a talent who has already shown he can play at Championship level…..He has an excellent pedigree, having come through the academy at Old Trafford, and there is no doubt that he has a lot of talent and ability.” Oscar Garcia (head coach at Brighton & Hove Albion on loan spell)

“Jesse has a lot of natural ability and is someone we have been aware of for some time.” David Burke (head of football operations, Brighton & Hove Albion)

“His attitude has been great, to come back from starring out on loan to playing under-21 games…..He still does the right things all the time. His work-rate was phenomenal and his decision-making was good plus it was a great goal for the boy again.” Warren Joyce (Old Trafford coach after Under-21 game)

“He is an exciting talent and someone that we are looking forward to working with…..He strengthens the attacking options.” Steve McClaren (Derby County manager)

“Jesse has good intelligence which, when combined with his energy and ability, makes for a player with a great future ahead of him. Jesse is a popular member of the squad.” Jose Mourinho (Manchester United manager)

“I’ve seen him play as a young boy…..Jesse has been known for his work-rate and effort…..a little bit of quality too, and a winning mentality from Manchester United.” David Moyes (West Ham United manager, on loan spell)

“…..he’s just a player who always played well for us…..He has always been a threat on goal, his link play is really bright…..He’s got a real intelligence and he works so hard without the ball and presses well. Today I thought he was the brightest spark for us…..” Gareth Southgate (England manager after 4-0 win over Andorra)