Lingard reliable? In what pal? Running and serving average to shit performances 12 games out of 15? Yeah he is pretty consistent in being average for the majority of his career up til now. Him being a fixture in our starting XI speaks volumes why we are so far behind the top teams in the league.
Sanchez has been shit no doubt, but if he gets back to his old self we might have a chance, with Lingard in our front 3 you can bet we ain’t going far.
Yes, he's been reliable. Since Lingard's first game in his first full season here, he's made the fourth most appearances of any of our outfield players. He has been an indispensable cog in a team that have reached four cup finals in that period, winning three trophies, two of which he scored in the finals including an extra time winner in one of them - I guess you missed those?
I'd say we were doing very well with Lingard in the XI last season until the supposed 'one of the best players in the league' turned up and ended up completely disrupting the team. I'd also say that we all know the main reason why we are currently behind the top teams too, and that reason is a lot like Sanchez - Living on past glories, with everything based on ifs and buts.
Lingard has been good for us, not always great, but reliable, with a lot of good performances and also goals in the big games.
I'd say he's earned his place and deserves some appreciation.