It's been a year to forget for Jesse Lingard.

At the centre of Manchester United's recent plight, the English midfielder has endured a nightmarish 12 months and plenty of supporters think he should be nowhere near the starting XI.

Perhaps most damningly, Lingard hasn't produced a single goal or assist in the Premier League since December despite his advanced position.

In fact, his FA Cup strike at the Emirates Stadium is the only time he's scored in 2019 and that came all the way back in January.

It's even been a tough year for Lingard away from the pitch. The news broke earlier this week that his clothing range 'JLingz' made a loss of £200,000 during its first year in business.

Foster hits the target

However, of all the damning statistics to emerge from Lingard's recent struggles, one bizarre comparison with Ben Foster is arguably the most painful.

That's because the Watford goalkeeper has now recorded more shots on target than Lingard in the Premier League this season despite, obviously, being a goalkeeper. Seriously.

During the dying moments of Watford's defeat to Chelsea, Foster made an intrepid journey down the pitch for a late set piece and astonishingly beat everybody to the header.

Torrid year for Lingard

Sadly, there wasn't to be a dramatic equaliser, Kepa Arrizabalaga made a great save to his right hand side, but Foster still came incredibly close to finding the net.

The only goalkeepers to have ever scored in the Premier League are Peter Schmeichel, Brad Friedel, Paul Robinson, Tim Howard and Asmir Begovic.

But back to Lingard and, well, the United man has only mustered four shots in the league this season and none of them have found a home on target.

It's worrying form to say the least and makes reports that United are trying to extend his contract all the more bewildering.

There are many supporters who are of the opinion that Lingard is getting off lightly because he came through the club's youth system.

It's something of a running joke that Lingard's form is excusable because he's still 'young', which of course he isn't, but his goal contribution most certainly hasn't risen with his advancing years.

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