Manchester United: Jesse Lingard is the perfect number 10 for Jose Mourinho

Arsenal 1-3 Manchester United: The rise of Jesse Lingard

At the time, Lingard nor the fans would have known he’d be entering such a rich vein of form. However, the performance and dynamism showed by Martial just playing off the left and Lingard’s freedom running off Lukaku up top, gave United fans plenty to ponder.

Having seen a glimpse of what this front three could offer away from home on the counter-attack, United fans were more excited than usual to face a forever vulnerable Arsenal side. And their excitement was soon to be realised. Scoring 3 goals for the first time at the Emirates since that equally impressive counter-attacking display in 2009/10. Rooney, Nani, Park that day, Lukaku, Martial, Lingard this time with the added galloping legs of Paul Pogba too.

It was a perfect match. Who said, “two’s company, three’s a crowd”? Not in this case. The combination play for the second goal was sublime. The best short-counter-attacking we’ve seen at Manchester United since the 07/08 and 08/09 Champions League juggernauts under Sir Alex Ferguson.

Lukaku’s ability to hold up the out ball. Lingard having the intelligence to read whether to come short or go in-behind. The skill and power of Pogba to drive the attack forward. Not forgetting the class and silk that Anthony Martial offers to finish any move.

This type of away performance we have become accustomed to with Lingard, clever runs, good on the ball, full on the energy but drifting through the game at times. However, this time he produced the end product in a big league game.