Carabao Cup 2017/18, Swansea 0-2 Manchester United: 5 Talking Points

Swansea City v Manchester United - Carabao Cup Fourth Round
Swansea City v Manchester United - Carabao Cup Fourth Round

#3 Two-goal Lingard the hero for holders

Swansea City v Manchester United - Carabao Cup Fourth Round
Swansea City v Manchester United - Carabao Cup Fourth Round

Lingard is not usually a player who gets the headlines for United, even if he did score important goals in the FA Cup final against Crystal Palace in 2015/16 and EFL Cup final against Southampton in 2016/17. He is a hard-worker capable of filling several different spots in the side, with his defensive diligence among the qualities most admired by Mourinho.

Yet here, Lingard was the difference-maker and match-winner for the Red Devils. His finish for the first goal was terrific, the 24-year-old opened up his body and stroked the ball into the bottom corner. His second was different but equally good, a relatively long-range header which was directed past Kristoffer Nordfeldt with aplomb.

Lingard will probably drop out of the team for Tottenham's visit to Old Trafford on Saturday, such is the wealth of attacking options at Mourinho's disposal. He was essential to United's victory here, though, and could yet play an important role this season.

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