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Manchester United's Jesse Lingard adamant he will prove his worth

Jesse Lingard celebrates after scoring Manchester United's second goal
Image: Jesse Lingard is determined to prove his he is worthy of a place in United's first team

Jesse Lingard is adament he will prove to those who doubt him that he is worthy of a place in Jose Mourinho's first team.

The homegrown midfielder wants to repay Manchester United's faith in him and establish himself as a key part of the team.

Following a knee injury soon after his debut for United in August 2014 under Louis van Gaal, Lingard missed a significant period of the campaign, before going out on loan to Derby.

Fearing that his dreams of playing for United were over, he says he knew he had to press on and prove himself.

"I've had two seasons now in the Premier League. I am getting that experience every season," Lingard said.

"At the moment I am concentrating on playing as many games as I can and doing well for the club, and then we'll see what happens at the end of the season."

Jesse Lingard scores Manchester United's second goal
Image: Lingard scores in the EFL Cup final

The 24-year-old featured for the club 25 times in the Premier League last season, scoring five goals, including key strikes in the EFL Cup final, the FA Cup and the Community Shield.

He recently signed a new contract keeping him at Old Trafford until 2021, on a reported weekly wage of £100,000, which has surprised some spectators.

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Jesse Lingard signs his new Manchester United contract at the club's Aon Training Complex
Image: Lingard signs a four-year contract, keeping him at the club until 2021

Some have also criticised Lingard's online activity, particularly with Mourinho's dislike for his players to excessively use social media.

But Lingard said that he thinks people can be quick to judge, and acknowledges that he must continue to work hard.

Manchester United's English midfielder Jesse Lingard celebrates scoring the opening goal during the FA Community Shield football match between Manchester U
Image: Manchester United's English midfielder Lingard is ready to silence his critics

He said: "Obviously when it comes to training and games, that's the professional environment.

"You've got to do the job on the pitch. First and foremost I put in 100 per cent and I don't think anyone can really complain after that."

England's Jesse Lingard has an effort saved by Hogg
Image: Lingard made his international debut for the first team against Malta

Lingard was given his senior debut for England against Malta in 2016 and now has four international caps.

He is now hopeful of a place in England's World Cup squad next summer but is keen to reassure his doubters that Manchester United is his priority.

He said: "First and foremost you've got to concentrate on Manchester United and getting the job done here. If you have a good season, then you get picked for the World Cup."

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