Man United forward Jesse Lingard was expected to play a key role under Ole Gunnar Solskjaer this season but so far the England international has failed to impress.
Jesse Lingard has started in all the three games for Man United so far this season but the 26-year-old has been one of the biggest flops so far for the Red Devils.
And according to pundits like Steve Nicol, the forward should be treated in the same weighing scale as Alexis Sanchez.
“I think so [recent criticism is warranted],” Nicol told ESPN FC(as reported).
“You described him as an attacking midfielder – I would suggest he needs another title if all he’s going to produce is one goal and no assists.
“I think it’s a little fortunate that he’s gone under the radar a little because of all the problems that they’ve had at United over the last two, three, four seasons.
“They’ve brought in players that they thought would score goals and assist.
“The likes of Mkhitaryan never worked out, Sanchez, never worked out. So [Lingard] in my opinion has been on the field a lot more than he probably should.
“If getting in the starting XI is about stats, he shouldn’t be anywhere near the starting XI. He’s kind of sailing under the radar.”
But surprisingly when every major pundit wants Ole Gunnar Solskjaer to bench Jesse Lingard during the coming few games, the manager has chosen to stand by the England international.
“No,” Ole said while talking about concerns over Lingard’s form.
“We stick together and Jesse’s not scored any goals in the last three games, no, but he’s been a big part of our team and will continue being an important part.
“The energy he gives us is lively, but we felt Mason had to come on and create something and we’ll see more of Mason.”
