verdict
Jesse Lingard showed respect to West Ham for ‘career-changing’ loan spell by refusing to celebrate goal, as Manchester United star is backed following ‘harsh’ criticism from Michael Owen
Jesse Lingard has been defended for refusing to celebrate against West Ham, with talkSPORT told he 'showed respect' to the Hammers AND Manchester United.
The midfielder came in for criticism this weekend for his muted celebrations after scoring a stunning winner against his former club, where he starred on loan last season.
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Michael Owen was among those to question Lingard, especially having only spent six months at the London Stadium, saying the England international 'let himself down'.
Lingard breathed new life into his career with the Hammers last season after joining in January, scoring nine goals in 16 matches to help them qualify for the Europa League.
There was a sense of inevitability when the 28-year-old came on as a late substitute for United at the London Stadium on Sunday, and promptly scored what turned out to be the winner.
Owen suggested Lingard had to celebrate his goal as he was only with West Ham 'for two minutes'.
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But talkSPORT host Tony Cascarino says the star should be praised for showing ‘respect’ to the Hammers, saying that six months in east London ‘changed his career'.
"The finish is absolutely sublime," former England and Man United striker Owen told Premier League Productions.
"The only thing that is poor about the whole scenario is that he doesn’t celebrate.
"I can’t believe players don’t celebrate when they score a goal against their old club, he was only there two minutes.
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"If he didn’t want to score, if he’s not that happy don’t pull the trigger, pass the ball, if that’s the case.
"It’s the only thing that lets him down there, because everything else is absolutely spectacular."
Responding to the criticism of Lingard on Tuesday's talkSPORT Breakfast, Cascarino said: “It’s a bit harsh.
“I think he’s showing respect, respect for both Manchester United and West Ham. All he’s done is he hasn’t overreacted to a goal.
“Jesse Lingard’s situation at Manchester United was very personal, he went through some struggles, he was sent out on loan because he was deemed not good enough at that time. You don’t send 27 and 28-year-olds out on loan for any other reason but to give them a chance to shine elsewhere.
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“He did fabulously well at West Ham. The West Ham fans were singing ‘he’s one of our own’ during the game, so he’s got a real affinity with the West Ham faithful, and he deserves it with the way he played.
“That doesn't mean he’s being disrespectful to Manchester United. I think he’s gone through a very difficult time there as a player and, with that, I think Jesse knows that his future is not with Manchester United.
“Unless Bruno Fernandes is injured or in an incredible lack of form – and I’m not so sure that will happen – Jesse is not going to be a starter on a regular basis for Manchester United.
“So I think he’s just showing a bit of respect for both clubs. Choosing not to celebrate wildly doesn't mean he’s being disrespectful to Manchester United
“If he had taken his shirt off, celebrated in front of the Man United fans, there would have been someone somewhere writing a column about how he’s been disrespectful to West Ham fans.
“I think he handled it really well.
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“That six months at West Ham changed his career, he got back in the England squad and now he’s playing and scoring goals for Manchester United again.
“And when he scores his next goal for Man United, just watch his reaction!”
After the game, Lingard admitted his muted celebrations were out of respect to the club he starred for on loan last season.
Read More on talkSPORT
Lingard told MUTV: "They supported me in the loan spell and gave me a great reception, so it was only right to pay them back.
"It was a great reception from the West Ham fans. I had a brilliant time here, but I had to do my bit [for Man United]."
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