Jesse Lingard brands Man Utd vs Arsenal clash "free hit" despite top-four race

Jesse Lingard has called Manchester United’sPremier League clash with Arsenal a ‘free hit’ even though the Gunners are only three points ahead of them.

The attacker, 29, spoke to his side’s in-house media after their crushing 4-0 defeat to Liverpool. And he seemed to suggest that Saturday’s game meant nothing in terms of the table.

"We've got a big game coming up. We've got to regroup fast this week, it's a big three points on Saturday." Lingard told MUTV. "It's another free hit and we'll go there with the mindset of winning, staying on the front foot, being intense, doing the basics and having that energy to go and win the game. We need to work hard first before you can start playing. Win your individual battles and then you'll win the game hopefully.

"We'll work hard throughout this week. However we train reflects how we play, so we can increase the energy and intensity in training to help that."

United’s defeat at Anfield sees them in sixth place in the Premier League table and three points behind Arsenal, who have a game in hand.

After their trip to London on Saturday, United will face Chelsea mid-week. Though chances of a top-four spot seem distant now, wins in both games would have the side back in and amongst the challenges for a Champions League spot.

Do you think United can get the top four? Let us know your thoughts in the comments section below.

The club were taken apart by Jurgen Klopp's side on Tuesday. Luis Diaz, Sadio Mane, and a brace from Mohamed Salah saw off Ralf Rangnick’s strugglers as the Reds rounded off a comfortable 4-0.

Lingard was set to leave on a free transfer in the summer once his contract is up at United. The playmaker had a deal lined up to Newcastle in the January transfer window but the deal collapsed as United asked for a survival fee, something the Magpies refused to do.

But even though his departure is looking extremely likely, Lingard is adamant that his focus remains on helping United achieve this season.

"I'm always ready,” he said. "Coming on, I knew my role, I knew my job straightaway and I wanted to do my best for the team. Every time I step on the pitch, every time I put a United shirt on, I want to give 110 per cent. Bring energy to the team, do the pressing.

"For me, I just want to play football. It was great to play against Norwich, I enjoyed it. I was getting into the rhythm of the game but obviously got brought off. For this game, I was expecting to start again but then Paul got injured and I came on early enough to play most of the game anyway. I'm always ready, I'm always confident."

Source: Read Full Article