MICHAEL OWEN has blasted Jesse Lingard for NOT celebrating his winning goal against West Ham.
The Manchester United star, 28, was a second-half sub in Sunday’s 2-1 win at the London Stadium.
David Moyes was eager to sign Lingard permanently during the summer after last term’s stunning loan spell.
But the former Hammer broke Irons fans’ hearts by scoring an 89th minute goal for United, moments before Mark Noble missed a late penalty to equalise.
Lingard, who netted nine goals in 16 games to help West Ham seal a Europa League finish last season, refused to join in the celebrations as he was mobbed by United teammates.
And former Red Devils striker Owen has now criticised Lingard’s behaviour, claiming the forward was only in east London for ‘two minutes’.
Owen also claims Lingard should have PASSED the ball if he didn’t want to be put in a goal-scoring situation.
But the ex-England hitman admits Lingard’s finish was sublime.
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Owen told Premier League Productions: “The finish is absolutely sublime. The only thing that is poor about the whole scenario is that he doesn’t celebrate.
“I can’t believe players don’t celebrate when they score a goal against their old club, he was only there two minutes.
“If he didn’t want to score, if he’s not that happy, don’t pull the trigger, pass the ball.
“It’s the only thing that lets him down there, because everything else is absolutely spectacular.”
However, Lingard provided his reasons for not celebrating after the final whistle.
He told MUTV: “They supported me in the loan spell and gave me a great reception, so it was only right to pay them back.
“It was a great reception from the West Ham fans. I had a brilliant time here, but I had to do my bit.”
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Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
