Lingard eyes first-team breakthrough

Manchester United prospect Jesse Lingard has set his sights on breaking into the first team this season.

The 20-year-old scored twice and played a role in two other goals as United secured David Moyes’ first win in charge thanks to a 5-1 victory over the A-League All Stars on Saturday.

He is now keen to become a regular fixture in the Premier League champions’ starting line-up, but knows it will be a tough challenge.

“This is the hardest club side to in the world to break in at, normally they send you out on loan and then you have to come back and bide your time,” he said.

“Hopefully I can come straight through.

“I believe in myself and I’ve got to start to believe in myself more day in and day out.”

The Warrington-born midfielder, who spent time on loan at Leicester City last season, cited academy graduates Danny Welbeck and Tom Cleverley as good examples for him to follow.

Both have become mainstays at Old Trafford and Lingard wants to tread a similar path.

“I’ve known Danny and Tom since they were young as well and they were at United at my age and they’ve pushed on and progressed,” he continued.

“Hopefully I can follow their footsteps.”

“I’m trying to integrate myself into the first team very slowly. I’m maturing now and it’s coming together so it’s good.”

Lingard will hope to play a part in United’s next friendly on Wednesday against J-League club Yokohama.