Jesse Lingard ticked another item off his 'to-do' list on Wednesday night, making his Champions League debut for boyhood club Manchester United.

The result itself was average, his performance good, but it will certainly be a night that lives long in the memory of a 22-year-old boy from the red half of the city.

Just a few weeks ago, Lingard shared a picture of himself as a small child, playing football in a United shirt. He still does that now, but on a far bigger stage.

Jesse Lingard reacts after missing a chance, but he fared well in his first Champions League appearance

The boyhood Manchester United fan (right) played 80 minutes and did not look out of place in Moscow

Louis van Gaal (left) placed his trust in the youngster, and Lingard will now hope for more opportunities

He will have watched the likes of Ryan Giggs and David Beckham growing up, dreaming of his chance to play in Europe's premier competition for the team he loves.

And on Wednesday night, he achieved it, lining up in the No 35 shirt against CSKA Moscow as United secured another point in their attempts to qualify for the Champions League knockout stages.

He held his own for 80 minutes of the match, before being replaced by Memphis Depay. It wasn't a world-beating performance, but to hold your own on the biggest stage in world football is no mean feat.

Lingard's United journey started many years ago, in the academy at Old Trafford. A series of loan spells at Leicester, Birmingham and Brighton ensued, with Sir Alex Ferguson casting his eye on the attacking midfielder on numerous occasions.

David Moyes' torrid spell followed, before the arrival of Louis van Gaal, who handed Lingard a start in his first competitive game in charge of the club.

Sadly for the Warrington-born talent, he hobbled off after just 24 minutes... a frustrating blow for a player so keen to impress his new boss.

Lingard grew up in Warrington and recently posted this photo of himself playing football in a United shirt

Lingard has spent numerous loan spells away from Old Trafford, but will hope now is the time to make his mark

Until Wednesday night, Lingard failed to start another game, but perhaps his time to shine has finally arrived. Last season, he was sent out to Derby County, but Van Gaal has opted to keep the 22-year-old close to him this season.

The former Holland boss is renowned for putting his faith in the youth... and Lingard will hope to be the latest name to prove a success under the 64-year-old.