Jesse Lingard insists Manchester United will ‘come back stronger’ after a ‘disappointing’ campaign ended with a 2-0 home defeat to Cardiff.
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s side have endured a torrid run of form towards the end of the season, having failed to win in any of their past six matches in all competitions.
Manchester United‘s run of form saw them finish the season in sixth, missing out on qualification for next season’s Champions League.
Lingard admits the players are disappointed with their performances this season, but says the club will ‘regroup and come back stronger’ next season.
“It’s disappointing,” Lingard told MUTV. “We’re looking forward to next season, we’ll regroup and come back stronger.
“It’s hard for everyone: fans, staff, players, everyone associated with the club. It’s not where we need to be. Manchester United deserves to be at the top and that’s where we need to be. It takes a lot of hard work, dedication and focus.”
Solskjaer is facing a major rebuilding job this summer, with several first-team players set to leave Old Trafford.
Midfielder Ander Herrera has already confirmed he will leave the club at the expiry of his contract, whilst fellow Spaniard Juan Mata is also yet to agree new terms.
Despite the predicted overhaul, Lingard insists the players will be ‘ready’ when the new season kicks off in August.
“We’ll be ready,” he said. “We have to be. We have to make a stand from the start and we have to be on the front foot.
“It’s a long season with a lot of games, so we’re going to need everyone next season. We’re going to have to work hard in pre-season and, now the manager has the job, he can really put his mark on the team.
“Training is very important – the manager reiterates to us about hard working, and working hard will always come out on top in the end.
Having finished a huge 32 points behind champions Manchester City, United face a huge task to close the gap to the division’s elite.
Lingard insists the players will work hard during pre-season, saying a quick start will be vital in their bid to bridge the gap to the likes of City and Liverpool.
“In pre-season we have to be ready and to catch Manchester City, Liverpool and the other teams, we need to be right on it from the start,” he added.
Speaking on The Football Faithful‘s weekly podcast last week, Manchester United fan Peter Henry admitted he has never felt as disconnected with his beloved club as he has of late. Listen to what he had to say below.
What do you think #mufc fans do you also feel completely disconnected from your club and players? ????
Listen to our full Pod below. ????https://t.co/1oxCLs7VTJ pic.twitter.com/I6ThDSX3JR
— The Football Faithful (@FootyFaithful_) May 11, 2019
