Jesse Lingard divides opinion like few other Premier League players.
Some find his dancing and elaborate handshakes annoying. While others find them very, very annoying.
However, the Manchester United winger scored the winning goal in the FA Cup final last year, and a goal in the EFL Cup final this season.
He’s not a guaranteed starter for Jose Mourinho’s side, but the United manager appears to see him as a useful member of the squad as Lingard has signed a new four-year deal.
“Jesse has been with the club since the age of seven,” Mourinho told the club’s website on Thursday.
“He has good intelligence which, when combined with his energy and ability, makes for a player with a great future ahead of him.
“Jesse is a popular member of the squad and I am delighted he has signed a new contract.”
Lingard’s new deal, worth a reported £100,000 a week, has provoked a strong reaction on social media.
Told Jesse Lingard has agreed to sign new Manchester United contract. 4-year deal. Wages will treble to about £100,000 a week
— Kaveh Solhekol (@SkyKaveh) April 6, 2017
Some felt it wasn’t the end of the world, and that such a figure is the going rate for a squad player with one of the world’s richest clubs.
100k isn't a lot, Lingard a very good squad option, never moans, performs his role v.well, rarely injured, has scored big goals. No issue.
— Alex Shaw (@AlexShawTel) April 6, 2017
But he laughed on a team coach getting pelted with bottles once and likes to dab a lot, so send him to the stocks :/
— Alex Shaw (@AlexShawTel) April 6, 2017
Lingard divides opinion, but goals in two cup finals, England caps etc. Deserves new deal.
— Mark Ogden (@MarkOgden_) April 6, 2017
Honestly love lingard so much so happy for him
— . (@LionelJessi_) April 6, 2017
Well done Lingard. Will never be a starter for me, but a great team player. #mufc
— Nicki Juul (@NickiJuul) April 6, 2017
https://twitter.com/ItsASeriousMata/status/850042710773968896
Can't believe people are criticising Jesse Lingard. I'd want £100k per week if I knew I'd definitely be playing for Sunderland in 4 years.
— Jason Has Moved Page (@Jason9Bent) April 6, 2017
https://twitter.com/UtdRantcast/status/849992225903738880
However, others see it as confirmation that football has now completely lost the run of itself.
https://twitter.com/LiamPaulCanning/status/849989860840673280
https://twitter.com/LiamPaulCanning/status/850000143327821824
https://twitter.com/LiamPaulCanning/status/850007695050625025
Jesse Lingard is on 100k a week and Orient players aren't even getting paid. Football is broken 😔
— Neil (@N_m_93) April 6, 2017
If anyone ever wonders what is wrong with MUFC, look no further than the fact Jesse Lingard is now earning £100,000 a week.
— Cal Watts (@CalWattsy) April 6, 2017
https://twitter.com/carlogarganese/status/850013330144194561
"Jesse Lingard will be on £100k a week for Manchester United." pic.twitter.com/aRmT2sNc9W
— niran (@TheOfficialFNG) April 6, 2017
https://twitter.com/PinnacleBen/status/850049191111950336
Lingard may not be a world beater, and probably wouldn’t last two minutes in a dressing room containing Roy Keane, but good luck to him.
He must be doing something right.
Catch up with this week’s episode of 888sport Football Friday Live
