Jesse Lingard says it 'was only right' he paid West Ham back for their faith last season by refusing to celebrate his winning strike for Manchester United at the weekend.
Lingard, 28, struck late on at the London Stadium on Sunday afternoon to seal an important three points for Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's side as they came from behind to win 2-1.
United had dominated large parts of the match but seemed destined for just a point amid a flurry of wasted chances and controversial penalty decisions against them.
However, that would all change when substitute Lingard cut inside and curled a phenomenal shot into the top corner to break the hearts of his former loan side.
Lingard had earned a re-call to the England side after his incredible form for West Ham earlier in the calendar year and he admits he never had any intention of wheeling away in celebration despite the spectacular nature of his goal.
“They supported me in the loan spell and gave me a great reception, so it was only right to pay them back," he told MUTV of his subdued celebration.
When further pressed on his goal Lingard revealed how he already had the idea in his head as soon as he cut inside onto his stronger right foot.
He added: “West Ham are always hard to break down and when you find space like that in the box and get 1v1, you’ve got to try and make half a yard, and I like that finish into the far corner, so as soon as I got half a yard and the space opened up, I knew what I wanted to do.”
