Man Utd boss Louis van Gaal reveals failed bids for attacker over the summer

Jesse Lingard scored his first Premier League goal this weekend

LOUIS VAN GAAL has revealed he turned down loan offers for Jesse Lingard over the summer.

 

The 22-year-old has had an impressive campaign, scoring his first Premier League goal at the weekend in the 2-0 win over West Brom.

He was promoted to the first team in 2012 but was subsequently loaned out to a string of Championship teams including Birmingham, Brighton and Derby.

However, since Van Gaal's arrival at Old Trafford the young attacker has been given his chance to shine, and the Dutchman admits he's pleased with his progress this term.

"Yes [there were loan offers for Lingard in the summer], but I said I shall not do that. It is difficult to go on loan," Van Gaal explained.

 

Jesse Lingard celebrates his goal with Juan Mata

"Maybe you remember I put him in the lineup in the first game against Swansea City at home because then he had impressed me already.

"Then he had a very heavy injury in that game and needed to rehabilitate and that takes a long time but I have said in the beginning of the season I want to keep him.

 

"And he has to wait for the moment that he is in better shape than his companions for the same position and since he is playing, I think he is playing very well."

Lingard has made seven appearances in all competitions this season, featuring in the league, Capital One Cup and Champions League for the Red Devils.