The cries of “attack, attack, attack” were becoming increasingly audible from the Old Trafford terraces on Tuesday night.
With frustration reaching fever pitch at half-time of Manchester United’s home tie with CSKA Moscow and United without a goal in 370 minutes of action, the tension was tangible.
And Jesse Lingard, one of the stars on the night, explained the team talk that Louis van Gaal gave to his side at the break which urged them to tune out the crowd noise.
When asked what the Dutchman said at half-time, Lingard said: “Just to keep going and perform the same as the first half – be patient, ignore the fans and keep playing your own game.”
The advice obviously worked as Lingard’s attacking prowess set up the perfect first-time cross for Wayne Rooney who headed home and Lingard revealed how much of a relief the goal came as.
“I was trying to be as direct as I could and get the crowd on their feet,” Lingard explained. “Obviously I had to be direct at the right time, so we had to be patient sometimes. I’m glad the goal came.”
