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Jesse Lingard Reveals Why He Opted To Play For United Instead Of Liverpool

Jesse Lingard Reveals Why He Opted To Play For United Instead Of Liverpool

He used to play for both clubs as a 7-year-old before choosing United.

Nasir Jabbar

Nasir Jabbar

Jesse Lingard a Liverpool player?

Well, it could have been a reality. But the Manchester United star has pinpointed the exact moment he knew he had to stay at Old Trafford.

As a young lad, Lingard played for both United and Liverpool with his grandad driving him to both clubs.

A young Lingard playing for United. Image: PA
A young Lingard playing for United. Image: PA

However, a 7-year-old Lingard knew his loyalties lied with United after an incident at Liverpool.

I say incident, someone didn't pass him the ball. He knew right then and there, he wanted to stay at United.

"One day I was at Liverpool and someone didn't pass the ball to me and I thought, 'I can't be doing this,'" he told Sportsmail.

"I walked out and said to my grandad, 'Let's stay at United instead'. I swear that was the reason."

Lingard in action for United. Image: PA
Lingard in action for United. Image: PA

Lingard progressed his way through the United ranks, notably winning the 2010/11 FA Youth Cup. He then signed a professional contract in 2011.

Eventually making his bow for the club in 2014 after experiencing loan spells in the Championship.

Lingard during his loan spell at Birmingham City. Image: PA
Lingard during his loan spell at Birmingham City. Image: PA
Lingard celebrates scoring a goal while on loan at Brighton. Image: PA
Lingard celebrates scoring a goal while on loan at Brighton. Image: PA

Lingard added: "I felt more comfortable at United. I knew I had to make a choice. Grandad looked after me. He still comes now and then to support me and he still texts me before games.

"He is, 'Do this, do that'. I go and see him and Nana and he asks, 'What is the mood like?' It's like I am a young boy again, still getting advice. I like that. It's good.

"Family is so important. You only get one and you have to make the most of them. They have always trusted me and trusted the United process."

Featured Image Credit:

Topics: Liverpool, Football News, Football, Manchester United, Jesse Lingard

Nasir Jabbar is a journalist at SPORTbible. He graduated from Bath Spa University with a BA in Media Communications. He's a combat sport aficionado, and has contributed to MMA websites AddictedMMA and CagePotato. Nasir has covered some of the biggest fights, while interviewing the likes of Conor McGregor, Michael Bisping and Anthony Joshua. He's also an avid Bristol City fan.

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