Jesse Lingard Reveals Louis van Gaal Told Manchester United Stars to Ignore Fans

Manchester United prodigy Jesse Lingard has said coach Louis van Gaal asked his players to ignore supporters' pleas to attack against CSKA Moscow in the Champions League on Tuesday, as the Red Devils continued to play their slow, tactical, passing style. 

The youngster made a huge impact in the game—often the only United player to run at the CSKA defensive line—but he revealed LvG ordered his team to stick to the game plan, despite vocal disapproval from the Old Trafford crowd, as quoted by Chris Wheeler of MailOnline:

"

I was trying to be as direct as I could and get the crowd on their feet. Obviously I had to be direct at the right time, so we had to be patient sometimes. I’m glad the goal came.

[Van Gaal said] just to keep going and perform the same as the first half – be patient, ignore the fans and keep playing your own game.

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Jon Super/Associated Press

The 22-year-old's revelation is sure to annoy many United fans who have seen the team score only once in their past four outings, according to WhoScored.com.

However, Lingard was the main positive to come from the European victory on Tuesday, as the player displayed the talents he needs to accrue more first-team football. 

Squawka.com highlighted the player's contributions in the win, as he assisted for Wayne Rooney's late goal that captured the points:

Van Gaal's stylistic principles have been questioned in recent weeks, as the Red Devils pass the ball sideways and backwards at an alarming rate.

Club legend Peter Schmeichel told Sky Sports' Soccer Special the manager is doing United a disservice with his tactics, bucking the philosophical trend of the north-west powerhouse:

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The players are good enough to play the game themselves within a system that the club plays and has been playing for years and years.

It worked for Holland because he had players like Arjen Robben, who was in incredible form, but I think Manchester United is much bigger than that.

I think Manchester United is a much bigger club than any manager in the world and the manager who comes in should respect what Manchester United is. At the moment, I'm not seeing the way I'd like to see Manchester United play.

With a club like Manchester United that have history and traditions, I think the manager at the club should respect that.

"

PAUL ELLIS/Getty Images

United have played a controlled style since Van Gaal's appointment after the 2014 World Cup, but the team's rigidity with the ball at feet is an uninspiring watch.

However, the coach has taken his team to a top-four berth in the Premier League, as United sit comfortably in the upper echelons of the current form guide.

Lingard had United fans on their feet with his quick and direct style, and he received plaudits from supporters for his energy and bravery.

Senior players in the United squad have failed to deliver such enthusiasm in the past year, allowing Lingard the chance to perform.

Matthew Ashton - AMA/Getty Images

Ultimately, the manager will always choose to protect his back line first, as the unlikely partnership of Chris Smalling and Daley Blind continues to impress.

United have only conceded eight goals in 11 Premier League outings, per Squawka, encouraging Van Gaal to stick with his current methodology of sacrificing entertainment for success. 

If the current tactics keep United in the Champions League qualification picture in the months ahead, supporters can expect to see more of the same from the Red Devils.