“Initially, I didn’t want to go on loan”

Likened to Xavi and Iniesta by Danny Welbeck, there is a lot of excitement around Larnell Cole and Jessie Lingard.

The diminutive midfielders have steadily impressed as they have risen through the ranks at the club, winning the FA Youth Cup in 2011 before progressing into the reserves, winning the league as well as the Manchester Senior Cup.

Both were shortlisted for reserve player of the year this year, and whilst the award went to Michael Keane, their nominations just go to show how well both performed considering the success of the team.

As they begin to reach an age where regular football is integral, loans have been mentioned for both players and it is not something either player is adverse to, despite initial misgivings.

Speaking in Inside United, Lingard said:

“We’ll see when I come back how I’ve developed and, if I’m ready I’ll go out on loan.

“I met Sir Alex and he said we’ll see what happens when I come back for pre-season.

“I’ve developed well now from being in the Reserves. Initially, I didn’t want to go on loan as I will miss the lads here despite it being good experience. But there are things like I can’t cook whatsoever. I’ve got to be independent and learn how to grow up so now it’d be a good experience for me to go out on loan.”

Cole added:

“It’s good to learn and get a taste of it [at United].

“But I’d like to play and, hopefully next season, I’ll come back and do that. I would also like to get experience out on loan.

“I would look forward to going out [elsewhere] – it’s what I’d like to do to get more experience.”