Rio Ferdinand has explained why he believes Ole Gunnar Solskjaer decided to leave
Solskjaer made three changes for the game at the St Mary's Stadium with Anthony Martial and Luke Shaw missing out due to injuries. Lingard was replaced by Juan Mata in the side after an inconsistent start to the season.
Former United defender Ferdinand thinks that the decision makes sense with Mata offering more than Lingard on the ball.
He told BT Sport: “We all know what Jesse brings you, he brings you great energy and he’s got quality, when he gets a chance on goal he scores.
“This season, the way he’s started, he probably hasn’t got in the box as much as he’d like or as much as Ole would like.
“Mata gives you that little bit of quality on the ball, that bit of composure. If he’s got runners, then today will be about transition and if he can get that pass through, he’ll make sure it’s on the money.”
Speaking to MUTV, Solskjaer had earlier given his thinking behind the decision.
He said: "Juan has been very good in the games we've had behind-closed-doors as well, and we felt it was time for him to get the chance today.
"We do have different options, and Jesse and Juan are two different players. Today we decided on Juan for experience a little bit, with Ash on that side. We've been a young side and it is always good to get those old heads on the pitch in a difficult game.
"It is going to be tough; they press hard, they they're direct, they go for loads of second balls, they go in behind us. So we will have to be strong mentally as well."
