Paul Pogba has leapt to the defence of his Manchester United teammate Jesse Lingard by pointing out the midfielder's track record in big matches.

The 27-year-old has fallen down the pecking order at Old Trafford, making only nine Premier League starts this season and failing to score or assist a single top-flight goal.

However, Lingard has previously netted winners in the FA Cup final and Community Shield, in addition to scoring in the 2017 League Cup final, and Pogba insists that his fellow midfielder thrives on the big stage.

"He knows. He knows. He's made for this. He's always banging in goals," he told United's official website.

"He's always been banging in goals anyway. It was a very good game for all of us. Everyone played well and we had a very strong performance."

Lingard has made 202 appearances for United in total, scoring 31 goals and assisting 20.

Written by
Barney Corkhill