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The new English kid on the block, Jesse Lingard has revealed that he turned down a move to sign for Manchester United’s fierce rivals Liverpool to join the Old Trafford club at the age of 7.
The 22-year-old player has recently received his first call-up to the senior English side following his impressive displays for the Red Devils over the past month. Lingard, who scored his first senior goal for United in a 2-0 victory over West Bromwich Albion, before the international break, could make his England debut in a friendly against France at Wembley.
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It has been a swift turn of events for the youngster who made his first Champions League appearance only a few weeks ago against CSKA Moscow after making just eight first-team appearances for the club.
The winger has now revealed that he was in the middle of a tug of war between the two Premier League clubs as both wanted him as a kid, but his love for the Red Devils swayed his decision in the favor of the Old Trafford club.
My heart was with United: Lingard
Speaking to Manchester United’s official website, he said, ““I was at a local club called Penketh United and Mike Glennie, a Manchester United scout, came to watch me.”
“He spoke to my grandad and offered me trials, but there was also interest from Liverpool and I had to pick.
“I was only young, but obviously my heart was with United at the time.”
“I think it’s just been an incredible experience, coming through from the Under-7s to where I am now and what I’ve achieved already,” he continued.
“It’s been incredible and I can’t thank the United staff enough. They could have let me go because of my height and I would now be playing somewhere else, but they stuck with me. They saw my ability and I’m thankful for that.”
“I’ve won a lot of trophies – like the FA Youth Cup and the Reserves league a couple of times – but it would top it off to win the Premier League with the first team” Lingard told MUTV.
