Jesse Lingard keen to force his way into Louis van Gaal’s plans at Manchester United

Jesse Lingard netted England’s late winner against Sweden in the European Championship
The 22-year-old midfielder was injured on his debut and then farmed out on loan to Derby County

Published:
22:50 GMT, 22 June 2015

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Updated:
02:16 GMT, 23 June 2015

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Jesse Lingard is determined to prove his worth for Manchester United after injury robbed him of the chance to impress Louis van Gaal.

Having been farmed out on loan and developed physically, it looked like the 22-year-old would finally get a chance to shine at Old Trafford last season.

Jesse Lingard scored England’s winner against Sweden in the Under 21 European Championship on Sunday

Van Gaal handed Lingard his debut in United’s opening game of the campaign against Swansea, only for his afternoon to be cut short by an Ashley Williams tackle.

When the attacking midfielder returned to the field six months later it was on loan at Derby in the Championship, making him all the more determined to add to his sole United appearance.

Lingard is certainly aiding his cause in the Czech Republic, where on Sunday he stylishly netted England’s late winner against Sweden in the European Championship.

The 22-year-old midfielder faces a defining season at Manchester United

‘I’m looking to stay at Man United and get some games under my belt there,’ Lingard said.

‘I’ll see what the boss says when I get back. I’ve always wanted to play for Man United and that’s still my ambition.

‘I was unlucky to get injured at the start of last season and I’ll never know where I would be know if I hadn’t got that injury.

Talented Lingard’s one senior appearance for the Red Devils was cruelly cut short by injury last season

‘Scoring goals like this can only help. It gets your profile up and other teams see you as well as Man United. It can only be good for me.

‘I kept in contact with Louis Van Gaal last season and spoke to the Under-21 manager a lot. He was guiding me and giving me confidence.’

Lingard is likely to have another chance to impress on Wednesday when the Young Lions take on Italy in their final Group B match.

Newcastle boss Steve McClaren took Lingard on loan last season when he was Derby County’s manager

The midfielder was replaced in the starting line-up against Sweden despite impressing in the defeat to Portugal, but could again find himself starting from the outset after his game-changing display and Alex Pritchard’s injury.

‘You’re always disappointed not to start for your country, but that’s the gaffer’s decision,’ Lingard said.

‘I knew I had to make an impact as soon as I came on the pitch and luckily I did. Getting the win is massive for us, and says a lot about our team spirit.

‘It’s up to the gaffer who starts. He knows what he’s doing and we respect his opinion, but obviously I’m hoping to start.’