Jesse Lingard: Manchester United getting better because 'we're playing with freedom'

ByEurosport

Updated 03/02/2016 at 16:40 GMT

Manchester United winger Jesse Lingard claims that Manchester United's improved fortunes have been down to a change in approach at the club.

The Red Devils have just enjoyed back-to-back wins, scoring six goals as they put Derby away 3-1 in the FA Cup and then hammered Stoke City 3-0 in the league on Tuesday.

And the 23-year-old suggested that the improved displays are all down to manager Louis van Gaal finally taking the handbrake off a side that has looked stifled for much of this season.

Lingard was careful not to blame Van Gaal, instead crediting the under-fire Dutch manager for his change in approach.

Premier League

Exclusive: City need to 'find someone who can get goals' after De Bruyne injury - Ferdinand

15/08/2023 at 19:57

"We are playing with that freedom and we’ve got a lot of energy in the team and to be mixing up the positions and entertain the crowd we’ll have to do that," said Lingard after Tuesday's match.

"But it’s that freedom that we have. It’s a weight off our shoulders and we can just play football now.

Manchester United's Jesse Lingard

Image credit: Reuters

"With the results, it’s not the manager’s fault, we’ve been on the pitch playing. Today, you’ve seen that we can get the results we need if we put our mind to it.”

Lingard also said how difficult it had been not to led fans' raucous boos influence the team's tactics.

"It’s hard, but we have to concentrate on the game. We can't let the fans influence how we play. We are on the pitch," he added.

"We have to play the game as we see it at the time, we have shown great character to do that."

Love Manchester United? Connect with fans at Manchester United Forum on Facebook and manutdforum.org.

Premier League

Exclusive: Wenger gave football 'completely different dimension' - Arteta

12/08/2023 at 08:45

Premier League

'I never talk about players that don't belong to us' - Pochettino refuses to comment on Caicedo saga

00:00:50

|

11/08/2023 at 21:59

Premier League

Ten Hag 'really happy' with Hojlund choice, says Kane will be 'miss' for PL

00:00:59

|

11/08/2023 at 21:52