It has been 340 days since Jesse Lingard last scored in the Premier League, and that goal was nothing more than a consolation in a 5-1 win over Cardiff City.
His baron run in front of goal ended against Astana on Thursday evening. Still, domestically he is yet to register a Premier League assist in 2019 and was recently omitted from the England squad for their final couple of European Championships qualifiers. It is a dramatic fall from grace after reaching the World Cup semi-final in 2018.
As a show of faith, Solskjaer handed Lingard the armband for the Europa League, and he repaid that with his first goal this season against Astana. With Manchester United already qualified and the Norwegian debuting three players, it may not have been the proud moment his manager envisaged. Still, it was a step back in the right direction.
Solskjaer admitted in his press conference that “he’s had his challenges over the past few months” and he allowed him to face them. Lingard embraced the opportunity, but he must kick on and break his Premier League duck to reinstate his place in the England side.
Gareth Southgate all but said it himself revealing he thought “Jesse has had a difficult time” and that “as an attacking midfielder, you are going to be judged on your goals and assists”.
One way he can improve those numbers is by taking on more shots, as he’s currently averaged 0.7 shots per game in his ten Premier League appearances. Lingard, who is valued at £36m (Transfermarkt), isn’t entirely to blame for not contributing any assists this campaign having supplied 11 key passes.
There are some promising signs to Lingard’s displays, and his goal against Astana will improve his confidence. But unless he can translate his performance against Astana to end product in the Premier League, there will be players with much better records in the division such as Mason Mount and James Maddison keeping him out of the England squad.
