Jose Mourinho explains why Jesse Lingard is perfect for new Manchester United formation after Arsenal thrashing
The England midfielder bagged a brace as the Reds triumphed 3-1 at the Emirates
JOSE MOURINHO has hailed Jesse Lingard with praise after the 24-year-old bagged a brace against Arsenal.
The striker played an integral role as Manchester United secured a 3-1 victory at the Emirates.
Mourinho's desired 3-5-2 system allows Lingard to be introduced as an extra runner in the midfield.
Speaking about the 24-year-old, he said: "He played well.
"He did what the team needed him to do, defensively and also in terms of going into finishing areas.
"We worked pre-season well and hard about playing sometimes with three at the back, sometimes four.
"When we play with two strikers we need people from the midfield that can arrive in finishing situations and that's what Jesse did for us."
After impressing against Watford on Tuesday night, Mourinho stuck with the 24-year-old for the Emirates clash.
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And the bosses choice paid off, as the England ace struck in each to secure United's fourth top-flight victory.
Before this week, Lingard's only goals this season had come in the Carabao Cup.
With just one Premier League start under his belt after 14 games, Lingard had a point to prove against the Gunners.
He could now be expected to fill in throughout Paul Pogba's suspension after the Frenchman saw red against the Gunners.
The 24-year-old was dismissed after he flew into a studs-up challenge on Hector Bellerin.