[Ballache]

I don't get some of the criticism he's getting. He did well and was unlucky not to score (unlucky is maybe too kind, he really should have scored that first chance, the second one was a bit more difficult) and LvG said he did very well and he doesn't like praising players. We need to take into consideration the fact that this is the first time he gets an extended run of games at this level, and he is meant to be a late-developer.

 

[jb8521]

I always find it strange how people view different players performances completely differently. I'm not comparing them as players but if Martial had put in a similar performance people would be saying he looked a constant threat and would look for the positives in his performance but with Lingard it seems like people have their minds made up that he's not good enough and will just look for the negatives so that they can repeat their opinion that he's not good enough at every opportunity. Most people say they want the club to bring through young players but then slate them if they don't instantly play like seasoned professionals. For a bit of perspective this was only Lingard's 3rd start in the Premier League and he was playing in an unfamiliar position yet he provided more of a threat than our actual strikers have in most games in the past year. He should have taken the lobbed chance but he drew 2 very good saves from Gomes, 1 of which led to the winning goal and could have been in for a 1 on 1 at the end of the first half if Memphis had played a better pass. For me it was a very encouraging performance and his positional flexibility adds another dimension to the squad.

 

[Cassidy]

I always find it strange how people view different players performances completely differently. I'm not comparing them as players but if Martial had put in a similar performance people would be saying he looked a constant threat and would look for the positives in his performance but with Lingard it seems like people have their minds made up that he's not good enough and will just look for the negatives so that they can repeat their opinion that he's not good enough at every opportunity. Most people say they want the club to bring through young players but then slate them if they don't instantly play like seasoned professionals. For a bit of perspective this was only Lingard's 3rd start in the Premier League and he was playing in an unfamiliar position yet he provided more of a threat than our actual strikers have in most games in the past year. He should have taken the lobbed chance but he drew 2 very good saves from Gomes, 1 of which led to the winning goal and could have been in for a 1 on 1 at the end of the first half if Memphis had played a better pass. For me it was a very encouraging performance and his positional flexibility adds another dimension to the squad.

Agree with this, I thought he had a good game, for someone who isn't a striker

 

[mav_9me]

I always find it strange how people view different players performances completely differently. I'm not comparing them as players but if Martial had put in a similar performance people would be saying he looked a constant threat and would look for the positives in his performance but with Lingard it seems like people have their minds made up that he's not good enough and will just look for the negatives so that they can repeat their opinion that he's not good enough at every opportunity. Most people say they want the club to bring through young players but then slate them if they don't instantly play like seasoned professionals. For a bit of perspective this was only Lingard's 3rd start in the Premier League and he was playing in an unfamiliar position yet he provided more of a threat than our actual strikers have in most games in the past year. He should have taken the lobbed chance but he drew 2 very good saves from Gomes, 1 of which led to the winning goal and could have been in for a 1 on 1 at the end of the first half if Memphis had played a better pass. For me it was a very encouraging performance and his positional flexibility adds another dimension to the squad.

I agree for the most part. Except he needs to score those one on ones. Can be extremely crucial which might be the difference between further chances with first team vs slowly fading out of the picture. The obvious encouraging thing is he got into quite a few goal scoring situations and worked the GK every time.

 

[Joemo]

I always find it strange how people view different players performances completely differently. I'm not comparing them as players but if Martial had put in a similar performance people would be saying he looked a constant threat and would look for the positives in his performance but with Lingard it seems like people have their minds made up that he's not good enough and will just look for the negatives so that they can repeat their opinion that he's not good enough at every opportunity. Most people say they want the club to bring through young players but then slate them if they don't instantly play like seasoned professionals. For a bit of perspective this was only Lingard's 3rd start in the Premier League and he was playing in an unfamiliar position yet he provided more of a threat than our actual strikers have in most games in the past year. He should have taken the lobbed chance but he drew 2 very good saves from Gomes, 1 of which led to the winning goal and could have been in for a 1 on 1 at the end of the first half if Memphis had played a better pass. For me it was a very encouraging performance and his positional flexibility adds another dimension to the squad.

Spot on jb

 

[m1y2]

I always find it strange how people view different players performances completely differently. I'm not comparing them as players but if Martial had put in a similar performance people would be saying he looked a constant threat and would look for the positives in his performance but with Lingard it seems like people have their minds made up that he's not good enough and will just look for the negatives so that they can repeat their opinion that he's not good enough at every opportunity. Most people say they want the club to bring through young players but then slate them if they don't instantly play like seasoned professionals. For a bit of perspective this was only Lingard's 3rd start in the Premier League and he was playing in an unfamiliar position yet he provided more of a threat than our actual strikers have in most games in the past year. He should have taken the lobbed chance but he drew 2 very good saves from Gomes, 1 of which led to the winning goal and could have been in for a 1 on 1 at the end of the first half if Memphis had played a better pass. For me it was a very encouraging performance and his positional flexibility adds another dimension to the squad.

I just so hope we will try him in his natural a bit deeper CAM position, people wouldnt expect him scoring every game but he would finally show his playmaking abilities, fantastic link up play, good eye and weight on pass and the movement off the ball, he is one of the best when it comes finding these little pockets, let lone his workrte defensively, pressing on the ball we have there only when herrera plays there, his dribbling and runs with the ball wouldnt be out of place at all whereas now when he comes from flanks everybody expects him to beat his player constantly and as a striker to score with every oportunity, hes bove average as a dribbler and goalscorer from wing nd striker position respectively but would be very good with this skillset from midfield positions... try him there, he was one of the best players for u21 England there nd mngers keep playing him from wide, its weird.

I think hes done well so far considering hes played out of position and thats a sign of good player. Who cares he will soon be 23, coquelin emerged out of nowhere at 23 yo age and hes tearing league part, playing very important role for gunners. Jesses much more experienced player than coquelin. Look at Vardy at 29. Lingard hs penty of time and great stuff from LVG who doesnt care about age. Players good enough when hes good enough no matter the age.

 

[marjen]

He makes things happen. His movement is relentless and he's good at timing his runs. Plus he plays on the front foot, too few of our attackers do that.

Yes, he's unpolished, but I like him. He'll turn out to be a very good squad option even if we upgrade our wingers.

 

[Escobar]

He makes things happen. His movement is relentless and he's good at timing his runs. Plus he plays on the front foot, too few of our attackers do that.

Yes, he's unpolished, but I like him. He'll turn out to be a very good squad option even if we upgrade our wingers.

I disagree. His output has been rather underwhelming. He does a lot off the ball, but with the ball he's not productive enough. And he loses the ball a lot

 

[marjen]

I disagree. His output has been rather underwhelming. He does a lot off the ball, but with the ball he's not productive enough. And he loses the ball a lot

His movement makes things happen. The two chances he missed vs Watford were both a result of excellent timing and intelligence to run through.

 

[Escobar]

His movement makes things happen. The two chances he missed vs Watford were both a result of excellent timing and intelligence to run through.

These are runs I'd expect from an attacking player. As I said before, just making runs is not making things happen. Making things happen is an excellent use of the ball which he's lacking so far

 

[Classical Mechanic]

These are runs I'd expect from an attacking player. As I said before, just making runs is not making things happen. Making things happen is an excellent use of the ball which he's lacking so far

He should have scored twice against Watford. He was making things happen but lacked the end product. I thought it was an encouraging performance from him and I have never rated him.

He can learn to finish if he works hard enough. Same as Chris Smalling, if he wants it bad enough he can cut out his weaknesses.

 

[Pogue Mahone]

I disagree. His output has been rather underwhelming. He does a lot off the ball, but with the ball he's not productive enough. And he loses the ball a lot

Huh? He's arguably been the player most likely to score in every game he's started.

 

[Rossa]

These are runs I'd expect from an attacking player. As I said before, just making runs is not making things happen. Making things happen is an excellent use of the ball which he's lacking so far

They are runs no other attacker at United are making. His finishing was below par, but our other options haven't been much better. He creates chances with his movement, no matter if you expect it or not. Rooney for instance doesn't make those runs.

 

[Escobar]

Huh? He's arguably been the player most likely to score in every game he's started.

Yet he scored one goal only (despite several good chances recently). Neither did he create many chances during games

 

[Escobar]

They are runs no other attacker at United are making. His finishing was below par, but our other options haven't been much better. He creates chances with his movement, no matter if you expect it or not. Rooney for instance doesn't make those runs.

As I said, his off the ball movement is good but he needs to offer much more if he wants to become a starter. And so far, I just havent seen that

 

[CG1010]

Yet he scored one goal only (despite several good chances recently). Neither did he create many chances during games

I guess what people are saying is that ultimately if he keeps getting into the right positions and is able to open up opposition defenses, overtime he will improve his final product and start racking up more goals and assists. This is typical of young players. However on the other hand, there is Welbeck who never managed to polish that part of his game. So let's see how Lingard progresses. But it is definitely too early to write him off already.

 

[Escobar]

I guess what people are saying is that ultimately if he keeps getting into the right positions and is able to open up opposition defenses, overtime he will improve his final product and start racking up more goals and assists. This is typical of young players. However on the other hand, there is Welbeck who never managed to polish that part of his game. So let's see how Lingard progresses. But it is definitely too early to write him off already.

He still has time on his hands and can develop into a good player. I just dont agree with those who say he's been excellent so far

 

[dcullivanio]

He makes things happen. His movement is relentless and he's good at timing his runs. Plus he plays on the front foot, too few of our attackers do that.

Yes, he's unpolished, but I like him. He'll turn out to be a very good squad option even if we upgrade our wingers.

Wholeheartedly agree with this. Looks like he's got a bit of spark in our otherwise rigid and staccato performances. There's obviously room for improvement in certain areas of his game but that can be said of quite a few of our squad.

 

[Pogue Mahone]

Yet he scored one goal only (despite several good chances recently). Neither did he create many chances during games

The fact he's getting in scoring positions regularly is clearly a good thing and instantly sets him apart from most of our attacking players. It's not as though he's messing up simple chances either. Most of his misses have been down to excellent saves (or hitting the woodwork)

Anyway, considering how few games he's started a goal and an assist is a decent return for a wide midfielder. Especially playing for such a low-scoring team. He also deserves credit for his part in the winner against Watford (which won't go down as an assist)

 

[Escobar]

The fact he's getting in scoring positions regularly is clearly a good thing and instantly sets him apart from most of our attacking players. It's not as though he's messing up simple chances either. Most of his misses have been down to excellent saves (or hitting the woodwork)

Anyway, considering how few games he's started a goal and an assist is a decent return for a wide midfielder. Especially playing for such a low-scoring team. He also deserves credit for his part in the winner against Watford (which won't go down as an assist)

We really must have low standards if we're happy when someone is in goalscoring positions nowadays. I'd expect that from all our players anyways and Lingard really should have scored against Watford.

 

[Pogue Mahone]

We really must have low standards if we're happy when someone is in goalscoring positions nowadays. I'd expect that from all our players anyways and Lingard really should have scored against Watford.

Nonsense. The ability to regularly end up in goalscoring positions has always been - and will always be - a useful quality in any player, at any team.

The only reason our form as a team under Van Gaal is relevant to this discussion is because so few other players have been as persistent a goal threat as Jesse this season.

Shots

Not taking enough shots has been a persistent problem this season, specifically mentioned by Van Gaal. Then Lingard comes into the team, takes more shots than anyone else and we look much more likely to score goals than in the run of games beforehand. I suspect this isn't a coincidence.

 

[Escobar]

Nonsense. The ability to regularly end up in goalscoring positions has always been - and will always be - a useful quality in any player, at any team.

The only reason our form as a team under Van Gaal is relevant to this discussion is because so few other players have been as persistent a goal threat as Jesse this season.

Shots

Not taking enough shots has been a persistent problem this season, specifically mentioned by Van Gaal. Then Lingard comes into the team, takes more shots than anyone else and we look much more likely to score goals than in the run of games beforehand. I suspect this isn't a coincidence.

It's not enough, especially if he cant take these chances then. As I said, your standards must be low since so far he has not shown more. Compare him to the other top wide players

 

[Cassidy]

It's not enough, especially if he cant take these chances then. As I said, your standards must be low since so far he has not shown more. Compare him to the other top wide players

Comparing him to the wide players in the side currently, he has provided what we need since he has come into the side. As for taking chances, that will come, he is actually a good finisher.
He has been a goal threat ever since he came into the side (which we were lacking)

 

[Escobar]

Comparing him to the wide players in the side currently, he has provided what we need since he has come into the side. As for taking chances, that will come, he is actually a good finisher.
He has been a goal threat ever since he came into the side (which we were lacking)

Our standards surely are lower than before. If Lingard wants to become a regular starter, he needs to improve his productivity a lot. As LVG said, we need to compare our team with the other European top clubs and their wide men

 

[Brightonian]

It's not enough, especially if he cant take these chances then. As I said, your standards must be low since so far he has not shown more. Compare him to the other top wide players

Well, he has taken one of these chances, and looks likely to take more. It's not as if he's aimlessly pissing opportunities away - he's hit the bar four times in as many games. He's unlucky not to have scored more goals already. Most importantly, he looks more likely to score goals at the moment than most of our other attacking players.

If you want us to just buy Robben, Reus and Ronaldo, you might be supporting the wrong club. Of course everyone wants us to be up there with the top European teams, but personally I'd like to do it like a football club not a teenager playing football manager.

 

[BarstoolProphet]

I always find it strange how people view different players performances completely differently. I'm not comparing them as players but if Martial had put in a similar performance people would be saying he looked a constant threat and would look for the positives in his performance but with Lingard it seems like people have their minds made up that he's not good enough and will just look for the negatives so that they can repeat their opinion that he's not good enough at every opportunity. Most people say they want the club to bring through young players but then slate them if they don't instantly play like seasoned professionals. For a bit of perspective this was only Lingard's 3rd start in the Premier League and he was playing in an unfamiliar position yet he provided more of a threat than our actual strikers have in most games in the past year. He should have taken the lobbed chance but he drew 2 very good saves from Gomes, 1 of which led to the winning goal and could have been in for a 1 on 1 at the end of the first half if Memphis had played a better pass. For me it was a very encouraging performance and his positional flexibility adds another dimension to the squad.

This. A perfect squad player and, as things stand, perhaps our most positive attacking player bar Martial. He could have been a scapegoat if we hadn't score at the end but it still was a very encouraging performance from him.

 

[Mockney]

I always find it strange how people view different players performances completely differently. I'm not comparing them as players but if Martial had put in a similar performance people would be saying he looked a constant threat and would look for the positives in his performance but with Lingard it seems like people have their minds made up that he's not good enough and will just look for the negatives so that they can repeat their opinion that he's not good enough at every opportunity..

It's been a consistent tactic of rubbish posters/fans over the years, but it has become more and more prevalent this season, when everyone seems to have gone a little mad.

How anyone, let alone so many, can be so down on a youth player after 3 games, all of which he's popped up with a crucial contribution in, is beyond me.

 

[Cassidy]

Our standards surely are lower than before. If Lingard wants to become a regular starter, he needs to improve his productivity a lot. As LVG said, we need to compare our team with the other European top clubs and their wide men

Sample size far too small, for me as a new playing who has come into a side which wasn't functioning well in attack, he has done very well.
Not saying he will be a regular next sumnmer, but in terms of productivity we need to wait and see on that front I would say. Can't be judging him on that after a handful of games.

 

[Escobar]

Sample size far too small, for me as a new playing who has come into a side which wasn't functioning well in attack, he has done very well.
Not saying he will be a regular next sumnmer, but in terms of productivity we need to wait and see on that front I would say. Can't be judging him on that after a handful of games.

Initial point was that I disagree that he's been very good. He's been decent but needs to improve massively - some parts of his play are rather poor. The only difference is that he just came into the side and is young, so he has time

 

[Classical Mechanic]

It's been a consistent tactic of rubbish posters/fans over the years, but it has become more and more prevalent this season, when everyone seems to have gone a little mad.

How anyone, let alone so many, can be so down on a youth player after 3 games, all of which he's popped up with a crucial contribution in, I genuinely don't know.

It is weird because I thought that he wasn't up to standard for Man Utd until the Watford game. Now I think he has a chance.

We don't know what goes on behind the scenes but I think the LVG really likes him. He played him in his first game in charge and is using him again. My guess is that Lingard works very hard and wants to learn.

It is the same with Rooney, LVG sees something in Rooney that he values very highly on and off the pitch that the fans don't see or that we don't understand. It is very far fetched to believe that LVG is scared of big bad Wayne and plays him out of fear.

 

[Pogue Mahone]

Well, he has taken one of these chances, and looks likely to take more. It's not as if he's aimlessly pissing opportunities away - he's hit the bar four times in as many games. He's unlucky not to have scored more goals already. Most importantly, he looks more likely to score goals at the moment than most of our other attacking players.

If you want us to just buy Robben, Reus and Ronaldo, you might be supporting the wrong club. Of course everyone wants us to be up there with the top European teams, but personally I'd like to do it like a football club not a teenager playing football manager.

Well said.

 

[Brophs]

With young players, expecting them to be as good as world class players straight away is a sign of your own weird expecations. Nothing more. And the line of argument "We're United. We have a right to expect our players to be world class" similarly misses the point. There's no point developing young players if the standard you hold them up to within a few games of them being given a chance is impossible to meet. In the early months and years you use those performances as a guide to tell you what you might have in the future. This speaking in absolutes - "is/isn't good enough" is particularly galling with young players or managers, when anyone with an iota of common sense could tell you that progress isn't linear. 'Not being good enough now' doesn't mean you won't be in the future (though that's a general point and doesn't even relate to Lingard). It relies on hard work, relevant experience and some good luck and timing. A couple of years ago would anyone have expected Harry Kane to look like one of the best strikers in the league? Had they not hired Pochettino he probably wouldn't have gotten his chance, yet we now know he's more than capable of being a standout player at this level. Likewise, for all that Lingard isn't the finished product, he's heavily influencing the second best team (at the moment) in one the toughest leagues in the world, in one of the most tactically demanding systems which is particularly unforgiving on attacking players. All after less than a dozen games. Surely that's enough to tell us that what he needs now is time and support to see what he might become?

 

[Brightonian]

Hear hear.

 

[Isotope]

Our standards surely are lower than before. If Lingard wants to become a regular starter, he needs to improve his productivity a lot. As LVG said, we need to compare our team with the other European top clubs and their wide men

One thing for sure, it is exciting to see when he's with the ball. In the few games he's been playing, you can see the improvement from himself, and to the team. That's considered a good performance from a youngster.

I agreed that he still needs to improve much further to be United future regular. But the sign is very encouraging so far. Also we just try to find some excitement from this team, whereas the team perform as it is.

 

[Isotope]

Here hear

 

[Ananke]

We really must have low standards

your standards must be low

Our standards surely are lower than before

Standards are low I think...

 

[Cassidy]

He is doing well, hope it continues. A young player comes into the team when we lack attacking threat and we start winning. Not sure where the critism is coming from. Hope he keeps it up and gets better too

 

[Escobar]

Standards are low I think...

I blame Moyes!

 

[Ish]

With young players, expecting them to be as good as world class players straight away is a sign of your own weird expecations. Nothing more. And the line of argument "We're United. We have a right to expect our players to be world class" similarly misses the point. There's no point developing young players if the standard you hold them up to within a few games of them being given a chance is impossible to meet. In the early months and years you use those performances as a guide to tell you what you might have in the future. This speaking in absolutes - "is/isn't good enough" is particularly galling with young players or managers, when anyone with an iota of common sense could tell you that progress isn't linear. 'Not being good enough now' doesn't mean you won't be in the future (though that's a general point and doesn't even relate to Lingard). It relies on hard work, relevant experience and some good luck and timing. A couple of years ago would anyone have expected Harry Kane to look like one of the best strikers in the league? Had they not hired Pochettino he probably wouldn't have gotten his chance, yet we now know he's more than capable of being a standout player at this level. Likewise, for all that Lingard isn't the finished product, he's heavily influencing the second best team (at the moment) in one the toughest leagues in the world, in one of the most tactically demanding systems which is particularly unforgiving on attacking players. All after less than a dozen games. Surely that's enough to tell us that what he needs now is time and support to see what he might become?

Great post this. Expect nothing less from you, you world class poster Brophs!

 

[CG1010]

What a show of confidence this is for the lad and other academy players. Starting ahead of Mata in a crucial CL tie. LVG has proven he can give youth a chance if they take it.