When Memphis was signed for around £25m in the summer few, if any observers, thought that Jesse Lingard would be getting minutes ahead of him in matches of the utmost importance.
Lingard actually started Louis van Gaal’s first match in charge of Manchester United – the home defeat against Swansea – but the youngster got injured in the first period of the game and his season stalled after that.
But he had a successful loan spell at Derby and has com back looking pacy, athletic and composed.
When he was introduced against CSKA, instead of Memphis, we were very apprehensive.
But Lingard has surprised many at Manchester United with his recent form.
At 22 he looks lightning fast and seems to float around the pitch on tiptoes – he is so light on his feet.
He also as game intelligence and lovely feet.
He came closest to scoring for Manchester United on Sunday with a beautiful dinked finish which brushed the crossbar.
And he looks as if his time in the team will be more than fleeting.
With Memphis underperforming on both flanks and Juan Mata still not dominating games from out wide, Lingard may prove to be the most naturally adept right flanker in the team.
Louis van Gaal certainly seems impressed. After the derby he said of Lingard’s chance:
“I was surprised that he could do that because it was a very difficult situation for him.
“He did remarkably well in that situation, but we didn’t create so many chances because it was difficult with how they played.
“They were so organised and played on the counter attack. It was the same in the game against Moscow, but it says something about the strength of Manchester United.”
