Manchester United youngster Dillon Hoogewerf has called on supporters to back Jesse Lingard rather than subject him to online abuse.
The United academy player has issued a firm message to fans on social media over Lingard's situation, expressing sympathy for the midfielder who has struggled on and off the pitch in the past year or so.
Lingard recently opened up about his issues, revealing that his mother had been treated for depression, leaving the 27-year-old to care for two young siblings.
He said: “Last season, I was going through some things off the field with my family so it was difficult for me to perform on the field.
"I know the fans have been frustrated but in all this time my love for this club and everyone connected to it has never left me."
Now Hoogewerf, the 17-year-old forward signed by United's academy a year ago, has taken to Instagram to defend Lingard.
He posted a series of pictures of the United star alongside captions that read: "Lingard is looking after his daughter and two 14-year-old siblings.
"He has also been taking care of his mother and grandmother who are very ill.
"Can't we just support him and motivate him instead of making him subject to troll?"
Lingard recently admitted he now feels in a better place personally and scored two goals in successive appearances against Leicester and LASK.
He has been linked with an exit from Old Trafford but could still remain at the club, with Ole Gunnar Solskjaer a big admirer of the England international.
