---
title: "Lingard turned down Liverpool as a child"
canonical: "https://readmanutd.com/2015/11/17/lingard-turned-liverpool-child/"
type: "post"
language: "en-GB"
section: "Man Utd News"
published: "2015-11-17T16:00:27Z"
modified: "2015-11-17T16:01:29Z"
---

# Lingard turned down Liverpool as a child

Jesse Lingard has told MUTV that he turned down Liverpool in favour of Manchester United, per the [Telegraph](https://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/football/teams/manchester-united/12000509/Manchester-United-winger-Jesse-Lingard-turned-down-Liverpool-as-a-schoolboy-because-his-heart-was-with-Utd.html).

Lingard, who recently earned a call-up to the England squad, says he rejected Liverpool because ‘his heart was with United’.

Incredibly, Lingard was just seven at the time of making the decision between the North West rivals, and recalled being watched United scouts:

> *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.*

The English winger has only recently had a sustained period in the United first team, after injuries and numerous loan spells delayed his chances of making the breakthrough into the senior squad.

![Alex Livesey/Getty Images Sport](https://media.readmanutd.com/readmanutd/2015/11/4961385923.jpg)

However, Lingard has now played a part in all of United’s last seven matches, and is thankful for the faith shown in him:

> *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. 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.*

Lingard made his United debut in last season’s opening game against Swansea City, which turned out to be his only appearance for the club last term after he was forced off through injury.

However, after loan spells with Leicester, Birmingham, Brighton and most recently Derby County, Lingard looks to be making himself a part of United’s future.