The Youngster That Has United Stars Excited

The pre season tour saw some impressive displays from a number of players but none more so than the youngsters Wilfried Zaha, Adnan Januzaj and Jesse Lingard.

The trio stole the show from their older counterparts and have understandably been hailed by the manager and their peers.

Whilst the Zaha and Januzaj have seen more of the spotlight, it appears it is Lingard that has tongues at United wagging. The diminutive forward impressed last season for Warren Joyce’s u21 side as they won the inaugural u21 Premier League and carried this on for David Moyes in Asia and Australia with a number of impressive showings and goals.

Asked about how the youngsters did on the tour, Rio Ferdinand told Andy Mitten:

“If I was going to hang my hat on a young player being a Man United player then Jesse would be the one. He’s got everything. For me Jesse could be a top, top player. He’s not one of the first young players who you look at for flashy pieces of skill, but his understanding of the game, of where to run, where to take the ball and his desire and application in training… he looks like a Manchester United player to me.”

And it isn’t just Rio that has been impressed by Jesse as Peter Schmeichel has also taken a shine to Lingard. Speaking to ManUtd.Com, the Great Dane said of the 19 year old:

“David Moyes will be pleased in the way that some players have grasped their opportunity, I’m thinking about Jesse Lingard who is coming home from the tour as top goalscorer.

“He had a very brief stay at Leicester and it didn’t really come off for him but he played for the Reserves again and was the best player in the Reserves squad. Maybe – just maybe – this is his opportunity and this is his year. It’s very interesting and, again, something for David to make a decision about.”

With such ringing endorsements from 2 huge United stars, Lingard’s confidence will undoubtedly be sky high. Moyes has also spoken highly of him so he will be looking to take any opportunities that arise this season.