Jesse Lingard says he will always keep fighting at Man United

“I’ve worked hard since lockdown and little things like that with the goal, pressing them in the last minute, you get your rewards for all the hard work you’ve done,” he explained. “Of course it’s given me confidence and spurred me on, and I’m just looking forward to playing again and getting back out there on the pitch and helping the team.

“It’s not just footballers,” he added when asked about his struggles this season. “Every day people struggle. It’s easy to give up and quit but I’m not the type of person to do that. I’d rather fight. I’ve always had to fight all my life, even from the age of seven coming through the ranks here. For me, it was about never giving up, keep working hard and be patient for an opportunity.”