JESSE LINGARD wrapped up warm on his return to Manchester after scoring his first goal since January in the 2-1 defeat against Astana on Thursday.
The 26-year-old will be hoping his recent form will earn him a first Premier League start for two months against Aston Villa.
Jesse Lingard is hoping to recapture his best form for Manchester United following a difficult spellCredit: Eamonn and James Clarke
Juan Mata arrived for training with his wife Evelina KampfCredit: Eamonn and James Clarke
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer is hoping his side can return to winning ways against Aston VillaCredit: Eamonn and James Clarke
Phil Jones’ new car can go from 0-62mph in just 3.2 secondsCredit: Eamonn and James Clarke
The England star marked his maiden time captaining his boyhood club with only his second goal this year as an inexperienced United side fell to defeat in Kazakhstan.
But it was another positive performance from Lingard, who emerged from the bench to help his side rescue a point from 2-0 down against Sheffield United on Sunday.
The midfielder revealed advice from Brazil icon Ronaldinho helped keep him grounded at Old Trafford as he targets a return to his best form.
He told the Mirror: “I remember meeting him in America a few years ago, he said to me: ‘No matter what, always enjoy football, always play with a smile on your face’.
“After that, I constantly do that. It’s mad watching videos of him, then actually meeting him and it felt mad for him to actually have that advice for me. You take that on board from one of the all-time greats.
“Everyone who dreamed of being a footballer and is a footballer, our dreams are made and we’re in a nice position so all I can do is smile. Of course, you want to win the game but that enjoyment side is important.”
Of course, you want to win the game but that enjoyment side is important
Jesse Lingard
Lingard is in with a chance with a second successive start against Villa, with doubts lingering over the fitness of Scott McTominay.
But it was once again Phil Jones who stole the show as the players rocked up to Carrington.
The defender turned heads as he cruised into Carrington in a bright yellow Lamborghini Urus – which would have set him back £165,000.
Jones is unlikely to be given the chance to add to his one league appearance this season after he was slammed by fans for his “car crash defending” in the 3-3 draw at Bramall Lane.
Juan Mata meanwhile, who has been an unused substitute for United’s last five Prem games, was accompanied by his wife Evelina Kampf as he arrived for training.
The Spaniard admitted last month that he might be finding it hard for game time because his favoured No 10 position is now “extinct”.
In his absence, Andreas Pereira has been deployed as the furthest forward behind United’s front three of Marcus Rashford, Anthony Martial, and Dan James.
And the Brazilian was seen arriving with David De Gea, who suggested the club’s struggles this season may be down to a “lack of quality.”
Marcus Rashford was the star for United as they rescued a point against Sheffield UnitedCredit: Eamonn and James Clarke
Andreas Pereira arrived for training alongside David De GeaCredit: Eamonn and James Clarke
Victor Lindelof is expected to be redeployed in a back-two with Harry Maguire against VillaCredit: Eamonn and James Clarke
Nemanja Matic made headlines for spending just 24 minutes at training earlier this weekCredit: Eamonn and James Clarke
Fan gives Ed Woodward a wet willy in a pub leaving Man Utd chief stunned ahead of Astana clash
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
