Actually wonder if many here watched the game or just the highlights- Lingard ran about and made good assist but was largely anonymous. Opinions vary fair enough but I thought he was ordinary at best.
It depends how you view the game and/or understand the importance of options.
I play a lot of casual football and I know my limitations and my strengths. In amongst my friends, I'm in the bottom table of being 'gifted' in terms ability and athleticism. However, not to brag about myself but I would say I'm one of the more effective players in 5 aside games.
You can have 4 amazing outfield players, who have great first touches, dribbling skills etc but who are they going to pass to, if the others aren't going to bust a gut to make that angle? Who's gonna recognise the danger of an attack and bust a gut to close the space?
Martial/Rashford are great but you can't always dribble and take on players from deep. A simple one-two when you beat the defender on their shoulder on the first step is enough to get ahead in the position. The problem is not many are willing to come for that short one-two or make that sprint for that angle.
Lingard more often than not makes that option.
He makes the team play better without making himself look good.
This really. No sarcasm or joking around.
Again obviously a fit Miki should be starting but don't discredit the contributions players like Lingard make.