Jesse Lingard has now scored his fifth league goal of the season, an impressive tally considering he’s only started six matches. While he may lack the raw talent of players like Mkhitaryan or Martial, Lingard has shown that hard work can match natural ability. For fans following team developments through the Melbet App, his rise has been a story of grit, timing, and transformation.

Back when Lingard was just 18 or 19, Sir Alex Ferguson told him he’d break into Manchester United’s first team by the age of 21 or 22. Lingard believed in that vision. After years of loan spells and development, he earned his spot at Old Trafford. Managers like Van Gaal and Mourinho both took a liking to him—not necessarily because of his flair, but for his relentless attitude and energy on the pitch. Paul Scholes even likened Lingard to Ji-sung Park, noting his tireless running that often opens up opportunities for others.

At the start of the season, Lingard was barely getting minutes off the bench. With United racking up big wins, he was seen as a fringe player. But in football, timing is everything. As Mkhitaryan’s form dipped, Lingard seized the moment. Slotted into the No 10 role, he fit in perfectly—solving what had looked like a looming tactical crisis for Mourinho. Since then, Lingard has delivered goal after goal, becoming one of the most productive midfielders in the Premier League. No surprise that he’s been a favorite pick among users of the Melbet App tracking top-performing players.

Looking back at his recent matches, his contributions have been outstanding. Against Watford, he scored and assisted in a 4-2 win. He bagged a brace against Arsenal and found the net again in this most recent fixture. That’s five goals and three assists from just six starts—numbers that speak volumes. BBC even called this the best spell of his Manchester United career.

Once mocked by fans as a squad filler, Lingard is now among Mourinho’s most trusted players. While some questioned Mourinho’s decision to sideline Mkhitaryan, the results speak for themselves. Lingard may not have the technical finesse of the Armenian playmaker, but he brings pace, pressing, and disruptive energy that fits Mourinho’s system to a tee. He’s not just filling a gap—he’s thriving in it.

In this match, Lingard was everywhere in the attacking third, using his movement to stretch the defense and exploit space. His improved shooting was on full display in the 35th minute when he struck from the edge of the box, the shot deflecting into the top corner. The celebration that followed was pure Lingard—creative, animated, and uniquely his.

It’s clear now that Lingard is no longer just a backup plan. He’s become central to Mourinho’s strategy at Manchester United. As this transformation continues, those watching through the Melbet App will no doubt be keeping a close eye on how long this purple patch lasts—and whether Lingard can make the No 10 shirt his own for good. With every match, he’s proving that sometimes, the underdog has the last laugh. And for now, Manchester United’s midfield belongs to him.