Manchester United: Jesse Lingard toning down social media use, says Ole Gunnar Solskjaer

Lingard has not scored or assisted a league goal since December 2018

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer believes that Jesse Lingard is getting back to his old self after curbing his use of social media, despite the Manchester United midfielder’s struggles for form.

Lingard has not scored or assisted a league goal in more than a year and has failed to hold down a regular place in Solskjaer’s line-up, despite two impressive displays against Manchester City and Tottenham last month.

The 27-year-old has previously been criticised for his use of social media and was given a warning by Solskjaer last summer after posting a video which showed a friend simulating sex with a pillow.

Solskjaer thinks Lingard has responded well in the months since and backs the United academy graduate to rediscover form, with the first leg of an EFL Cup semi-final against City to come on Tuesday night.

“Jesse has had his ups and downs as I’ve spoken about before but the games against City and Tottenham, those two games were examples of how important he can be for us in different games,” he said.

“Of course we want him back scoring and making assists. There’s no one who runs as much as Jess, he’s a great trigger for us in the pressing, he’s a lively and bubbly character.

“I don’t think you see as much social media from Jesse as you used to. He has got his head down and is working hard. I’ve known him for many many years and he’s getting back to the Jesse I knew.”

Solskjaer has spoken to his players about their use of social media. “I think it’s part of being a Man United player, it’s how you come across and it’s important that you do give up yourself in a positive way and it’s football-related,” he said.

“I do speak to players about how they portray themselves. I don’t have these social media things, I never have really, but it’s a different generation at the moment.”

Lingard is one several United players who are a doubt for Tuesday’s derby against City, with Anthony Martial, Luke Shaw and Harry Maguire needing to prove their fitness.

“We’re going to give them as much time as we can, that’s the most correct and honest answer I can give,” Solskjaer said. “Some of them are still not ready. If it was a game today not sure they could perform at their best but another 36 hours until I give them the team.”