After losing to Young Boys in their Champions League opener, Manchester United returned to winning ways with a solid 2-1 win over West Ham United in the Premier League. English midfielder Jesse Lingard who was heavily criticised for his mistake in the Champions League turned hero as he scored the winner right at the dying moment of the match.
The goal left Manchester United boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer very delighted as he saw Lingard answer his critics days after they spread a lot of negativity against him. He came off the bench and scored the all-important winner helping the Red Devils register all three points.
Solskjaer was very pleased by the midfielder’s performance against a side where he spent last season on loan. “I think today was a good answer! Jesse was quite clear he wants to fight for his place and be part of a Manchester United team that is going places,” he said at a press conference.
“I can’t speak for Jesse now but he’s really contributing, he’ll play on Wednesday as I’ll make a few changes. So pleased he handles the highs and lows really well.
“He’s becoming a grown man and is a very good player.”
“I’m so happy for Jesse, he had a tough evening on Tuesday, he knuckled down, he’s a positive lad, so happy for him. A good turn by Jesse, good finish,” Solskjaer added.
However, it was not only Lingard for United on the day as David De Gea also stepped up and saved a Mark Noble penalty to help United win the match. The Spanish custodian went over five years without keeping out a spot-kick and had conceded 40 goals before he kept out Noble’s effort.
Speaking of the penalty, the Norwegian tactician admits that he was not expecting De Gea to save it. “I believe in David and I’ve seen him, he saved against Crystal Palace last season, and his foot was a little inch off the line.
“I’ve seen Mark Noble score so many penalties, you did feel down and out and expected to come home with one point but luckily David has continued his good form.”
With the win against West Ham, the Red Devils have reinforced their position at the top of the Premier League. They are tied with 13 points with Liverpool and Chelsea as they are ahead of United in goal difference.
