- Birthdate: 15 Dec 1992
- Birthplace: Warrington, Cheshire
- Position: Midfielder
- Joined United: 01 Jul 2009
- Joined From: United Academy
- International: England Under-21
- United Debut: 16 Aug 2014 v Swansea (H)
Warrington-born Jesse Lingard has progressed through the ranks with United after being treated patiently by the coaches, and made his senior debut in the opening game of the 2014/15 season against Swansea City.
Despite being included in the matchday squad under David Moyes, it was Louis van Gaal who would hand the sprightly prospect his bow, but sadly it was an appearance that would be cut short by injury after just 24 minutes after a bright opening in the unfamiliar role of wing-back.
Undeterred, Jesse recovered from the setback to sign on loan for Derby County in the February of 2015. The youngster made 15 appearances for the Rams, scoring twice as he helped Steve McClaren’s men to the top of the Championship by early March. A late-season slump would ultimately derail their campaign, however, as Derby missed out on a place in the play-offs by a single point.
Following the completion his loan spell at Pride Park, Lingard once again reiterated his desire to forge a way into Louis van Gaal’s XI after being one of the most impressive performers for England's Under-21s in the European Championship finals, scoring a superb winner against Sweden.
“I've always wanted to play for Manchester United and that's still my ambition,” he said. “I kept in contact with Louis van Gaal [during his loan] and I’ll have to see what he says when I get back.”
Evidently, Jesse is still highly regarded at Old Trafford, having become one of the top English players at Reserves and Under-21 level. Proving he can handle the step up from Academy football after lifting the FA Youth Cup, the wiry attacker can play on the flanks or in his preferred central role, just behind the striker.
A clever and assured finisher, he is capable of mixing the spectacular finish with clinical, well-placed shots, he causes problems for defenders with his direct running.
A hard worker who always tracks back for the team, he made an impression during the 2012 DHL tour and was on the bench for the Carling Cup ties against Newcastle and Chelsea. Later in the year, he joined Leicester on loan to obtain some first-team experience but returned to United in time to help Warren Joyce's side win more silverware.
Often asked to provide some creative flair with his dribbling skills, he was leading scorer on the 2013 tour and his performances prompted a loan move to Birmingham City. He made an incredible instant impression with four goals against Sheffield Wednesday. "It was an unbelievable start for Jesse," commented Warren Joyce. "Roy of the Rovers stuff. You could not write a script like that."
A headed goal for the Midlanders followed and he is proved his worth for Lee Clark's side before enjoying another successful loan stay with Brighton & Hove Albion, helping the Seagulls reach the Championship play-offs as a key figure in their attack. After another temporary switch, with Derby, last term, his challenge is now to break into the United side.
