Jesse Lingard has emerged as one of Manchester United's most influential players – after starting the season as a fringe player under Jose Mourinho .

Lingard had to wait until October for his first Premier League start of the season but has flourished since then, with seven goals in his last nine appearances.

He already has more Premier League goals this term than Dele Alli, Eden Hazard, Kevin De Bruyne, Sadio Mane, Leroy Sane and Christian Eriksen, and has also contributed four assists.

The 25-year-old nets United's second goal with a superb finish (
Image:
PA)

Several players, including Henrikh Mkhitaryan and Juan Mata, have been tried in the No.10 role this season, but it is Lingard, with his energy, industry and goal threat, who has been the most effective there.

And after Lingard, 25, capped a fine display in United's 2-0 win at Everton on New Year's Day with a stunning strike, Mourinho praised him for making the leap from talented youngster to consistently effective performer at the highest level.

“These boys, they jump or they don't jump,' said Mourinho.

“One thing is to be a young talent, another is to be a very good player. Some players are not capable of that jump.

“From great potential, young players, they go to normal players. I think Jesse is giving that jump. He is being more consistent. He is being more adaptable.

“He understands better the game, the different spaces, the different positions. He is going in a good direction.”

Mourinho has been full of praise for Lingard in recent weeks (
Image:
Action Images via Reuters)

Lingard has always been regarded as a major talent at United, where he has been since the age of seven, even though it has taken him a while to become a first-team regular.

Loan spells at Leicester, Birmingham, Brighton and Derby suggested he may never make the grade at United but, having made his debut under Louis van Gaal in the opening game of the 2014-15 season, Lingard has finally broken through to make his mark.

With 10 goals already this season in all competitions, there is no reason why Lingard cannot double that tally to 20, although he is keeping his target to himself for now.

“I've still got a target in mind and I’m working towards that,” said Lingard. “I just want to assist and score goals to help the team. That’s my aim.”

When asked if he would disclose the goal target he has set for himself, Lingard said: “No, it’s secret. But I’m working towards it and I’ll keep working hard to help the team.

Lingard has become one of the first names on Jose Mourinho's team sheet (
Image:
REUTERS)

“It’s always good for us to score as attacking players and to help the team get the three points.

“I'm pushing myself and trying to get as many goals as possible this season to help the team to win games.”

“We’ve had a lot of games but we’ve had the spirit to get through the matches. It’s good to start the new year with a win and the travelling fans were great for us again.”

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