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The rise and rise of Jesse Lingard at United

“He’s always had that twinkle in his eye. The impish smile, too. There’s always something going on. You’re never too far away from something happening.

I came to Manchester United in 1990 as a part-time coach brought in by Brian Kidd. I then joined the Academy as a full-time member of staff in 1998, so I’ve seen the journeys of quite a lot of players in that time. This particular young man is a gem.

Not only as a footballer, but as a human being, probably one of the best players I’ve had the privilege to coach; such a charming, mischievous young man and a joyous young player.