CRISTIANO RONALDO and Bruno Fernandes pushed Jesse Lingard to celebrate with the away fans fans after his stunning goal against West Ham.
Lingard initially refused to acknowledge his goal at London Stadium as he put Manchester United 2-1 up with 90 seconds remaining.
The 28-year-old shone for the Hammers when he joined on loan in January and respectfully put his hands to air after his strike on Sunday.
But United team-mates Ronaldo and Fernandes were not having any of it, forcing Lingard to run towards the jubilant away fans and celebrate his decisive effort.
Lingard’s future at United has been uncertain with reports on Saturday suggesting he could be one of seven sold in a January clear out.
He was at fault in United’s midweek Champions League defeat by Young Boys after his disastrous backpass was intercepted by Jordan Siebatcheu.
Lingard spent the second half of last season in fine form on loan at West Ham, who were eager to bring him back to the capital in a permanent deal this summer.
But the England man broke the hearts of those home fans on Sunday with a superb strike.
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Taking a pass from fellow sub Nemanja Matic in his path, Lingard unleashed a sublime right-footer into the top corner of Lukascz Fabianski’s goal.
His efforts to show respect were thwarted by the ecstatic Ronaldo and Fernandes and a smile could soon be seen breaking out on the goalscorer’s face.
United fans on social media hailed the mentality of their Portuguese duo.
‘Yellovflash’ wrote on Twitter: “The best part of Lingard’s goal was Ronaldo and Bruno pushing him to celebrate infront of fans. That is the winner’s mentality no room for sentiment, especially coming back from making huge error last week.”
‘Truly345’ wrote: “Seeing Ronaldo celebrate with Lingard brings tears to my eyes.”
‘Xx_novio’ added: “Ronaldo and Bruno Fernandes forcing Jesse Lingard to celebrate his goal. By far the greatest atonement we could have ever asked for.”
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
