Manchester United manager, Jose Mourinho, has said that Jesse Lingard is very important to the club.

He said this while defending a new four-year contract handed to the 24-year-old which has attracted widespread criticism on social media.

Lingard, has made 29 appearances under Mourinho this season.

Despite the forward scoring in two cup final victories in the past 12 months, as well as making himself an England international, his new contract has been questioned by many supporters.

The Portuguese gaffer, however, insists that Lingard has earned his new deal and that United are right to secure him to a long-term contract.

Mourinho told news conference, “He is English, made in the academy.

“These players are very important for clubs.

“It is a very important contract and I congratulate him and the board to agree with him and give stability to me. Important for me to know he is not in danger [of going elsewhere].

“He is a good player already and, because of his age and happiness in the work, he can be even better.”