FOOTBALL

Why Ole was right keeping hold Of Jesse Lingard

Published

3 years ago

September 20, 2021

admin

Not a lot of people foresaw Jesse Lingard playing for Manchester United this season.

The 28-year-old had a brilliant loan spell at West Ham, where he scored nine goals and assisted four more in 16 Premier League outings for the Hammers.

After Man United’s high-profile attacking recruitments this summer, it seemed all the more likely that Lingard is set to leave the club he has been playing for since he was seven years old.

Lingard managed only 64 minutes of football in the entirety of 2020.

Arrivals of the likes of Jadon Sancho and Cristiano Ronaldo would push even further towards the fringes.

Fresh off a successful loan stint, United could have received a considerable fee from his suitors.

But, Ole Gunnar Solskjaer actively took him off the selling list, insisting he is a part of his plans for the new situation.

Lingard over James

The decision might appear a bit outlandish because Man United have a plethora of attacking assets, and they have let go of a younger player of a similar profile in Daniel James.

Manchester United have sold James to Leeds United for £30 million.

The Welshman has made 59 appearances for the club in his two-year stay, while Lingard has struggled for minutes.

So, why not keep James instead of Lingard as a backup?

Choosing Lingard over James makes sense when you take into account their recent performances.

Lingard has revitalized himself in the Premier League under David Moyes and made it to England’s Euro 2020 provisional squad.

James, on the other hand, seemed continuously out of place at United and openly admitted to losing his confidence as a Red Devils player.

Also, Lingard has only a year left on his contract. His current deal would have expired this summer, but United activated a clause in his contract that will prolong his stay at the club.

While Lingard’s form at West Ham did draw attention from other clubs, it would have been difficult to get as much as £30 million for him since he only has months left in his contract.

Proven EPL performer

Not all footballers hit the ground running coming from other leagues in the Premier League.

Although Jadon Sancho boasts a prolific record in Bundesliga, there is no guarantee that he would be able to replicate that form in the Premier League immediately.

Timo Werner, for instance, hit 28 Bundesliga in his final season at RB Leipzig. But, he could not reach double digits for Chelsea in his first season.

So, Ole needed someone to take the burden off Sancho and help him settle in. The Norwegian identified Lingard as the perfect candidate for this role.

Many would point towards the comical back pass Lingard attempted to play to David de Gea in the dying stages of the game against Young Boys, which ultimately led to the winning goal for the opposition.

But, he was quick to atone for his mistake as he curled in an 89th-minute stunner to win the match for Manchester United against West Ham the following weekend.

Before that, he had scored in Manchester United’s 4-1 thrashing of Newcastle United to end his 13-month goal drought for the Mancunians.

However, Lingard’s long-term future might not be at Old Trafford, after all.

He has rejected extension offers from the club since he does not feel convinced he can break it to the starting XI anytime soon.

But, the forward can play a ‘’super-sub’’ role for the 13-time Premier League champions this season, which could prove instrumental in ending their four-year wait for silverware.

FC Goa

FC Goa Triumphs Over Mohun Bagan with a 2-1 Victory

Published

2 days ago

December 21, 2024

Maadhav

FC Goa defeats Mohun Bagan! FC Goa secured a memorable 2-1 victory against Mohun Bagan Super Giant in the Indian Super League at Fatorda Stadium. This high-stakes encounter ended Mohun Bagan’s unbeaten streak, marking a significant moment in the league.

Brison Fernandes opened the scoring for FC Goa in the 13th minute, assisted by Borja Herrera. His shot deflected off Mohun Bagan’s Tom Aldred, giving Goa an early lead. Despite pressing attacks, Mohun Bagan failed to capitalize on opportunities during the first half, keeping FC Goa ahead.

The second half saw Mohun Bagan equalize through Dimitrios Petratos’ penalty, awarded after a handball by Armando. With the match level, momentum shifted briefly in favor of Mohun Bagan. However, FC Goa struck again in the 68th minute as Brison Fernandes headed in Herrera’s precise cross, sealing the lead and eventual victory for the home side. FC Goa defeats Mohun Bagan!

FC Goa’s defense stood firm during the closing stages, with Sandesh Jhingan and Odei Onaindia effectively countering Mohun Bagan’s attempts to find another equalizer. This win elevated FC Goa to third place in the league standings with 22 points from 12 matches, showcasing their strong form this season.

The match underscored FC Goa’s resilience and tactical discipline, while Mohun Bagan will aim to bounce back from this setback. Fans were treated to an exciting contest, reflecting the competitive spirit of the league.

FC Goa

FC Goa Host League Leaders Mohun Bagan Super Giant in ISL Clash

Published

3 days ago

December 20, 2024

Maadhav

FC Goa Host League Leaders Mohun Bagan Super Giant in ISL Clash

FC Goa vs Mohun Bagan Super Giant! The Indian Super League (ISL) promises an intense showdown as FC Goa faces league leaders Mohun Bagan Super Giant this Friday at Fatorda. With playoff positions at stake, both teams are set for a thrilling encounter.

FC Goa aims to break into the top three with a win, continuing their unbeaten six-match streak. Striker Armando Sadiku leads the Goa attack with eight goals in ten matches, while midfielders Iker Guarrotxena and Dejan Drazic add creativity. Young goalkeeper Hrithik Tiwari’s three clean sheets in five matches provide defensive assurance. FC Goa vs Mohun Bagan Super Giant!

Mohun Bagan, atop the league with 26 points, has relied on Jamie Maclaren’s scoring consistency and Greg Stewart’s midfield mastery. Although Stewart will miss the match due to injury, the Mariners boast six clean sheets this season, anchored by goalkeeper Vishal Kaith.

Both teams have impressive records, with Goa scoring 21 goals and Mohun Bagan conceding only 10 this season. The match could define playoff aspirations as Mohun Bagan aims to solidify their position, and Goa seeks to climb the rankings. Fans anticipate a tightly contested game between two strong sides showcasing Indian football’s growing quality.

The match is critical for both teams’ playoff aspirations. FC Goa looks to capitalize on their home advantage and attacking prowess, while Mohun Bagan seeks to extend their dominance at the top of the league. With FC Goa scoring 21 goals and Mohun Bagan conceding only 10 this season, the battle promises to be a showcase of quality football.

Fans are eagerly anticipating this high-stakes clash, which could significantly impact the league’s playoff picture. Both teams have shown resilience and skill, ensuring a thrilling contest.

FC Goa

Mohun Bagan SG and FC Goa Face Off in ISL 2024-25 Thriller

Published

3 days ago

December 20, 2024

Maadhav

Mohun Bagan SG faces FC Goa in a thrilling ISL 2024-25 encounter, promising intense action and crucial league implications.

The Indian Super League (ISL) 2024-25 features a highly anticipated clash between Mohun Bagan Super Giant and FC Goa at Fatorda’s Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium on Friday. Both teams come into this encounter in solid form, aiming to strengthen their campaigns at a crucial juncture in the season.

Mohun Bagan leads the standings with an unbeaten streak, registering seven wins and a draw in ISL 2024-25. Their defensive strength is evident, having kept six clean sheets. FC Goa, sitting fourth on the table, boasts a dynamic attacking style, with nine different players contributing goals this season.

This battle between Mohun Bagan’s resolute defense and Goa’s attacking versatility promises to be a high-stakes showdown. Goa seeks to overcome the league leaders and secure vital points to narrow the gap. Meanwhile, Mohun Bagan looks to extend its dominance and consolidate its position at the top.

Key players to watch include Mohun Bagan’s defensive stalwarts and Goa’s offensive playmakers. Both sides have demonstrated their capability to adapt to challenging situations, setting the stage for a thrilling contest. With the mid-season point approaching, the match carries significant implications for both teams’ playoff aspirations.

Fans can expect an intense, action-packed game as two of the ISL’s top teams vie for supremacy. Mohun Bagan’s strategic discipline will be tested against Goa’s creative and relentless attacks. This matchup is a must-watch for football enthusiasts, showcasing the best of Indian football talent.