This archive report was first published on 26 December 2019.
Manchester United's inconsistent start to the season has left many wondering what's behind their struggles against mid-table teams. According to midfielder Jesse Lingard, the answer lies in complacency.
Despite beating top sides like Manchester City, Leicester City, Chelsea, and Tottenham Hotspur, United have lost to Crystal Palace, West Ham United, Newcastle United, and bottom side Watford. This inconsistency has raised eyebrows, with many questioning the team's mentality.
As Lingard pointed out in an interview with the Daily Telegraph, 'It's strange, maybe it's a mindset thing. Maybe it's our mentality going into the match thinking we've already won the game.' He added, 'If we keep the consistency and mentality we had against City and Tottenham, I don't see why we can't win every game.'
However, Lingard's own form has been a concern, with the 27-year-old yet to score a goal or provide an assist in 15 league games this season. Despite this, he believes he's getting back to his best, saying, 'I feel I've got my form back now and I'm back to my old self.'
United host ninth-placed Newcastle on Thursday, and Lingard's comments will be closely watched as the team looks to turn their season around.
