Jesse Lingard hanging World Cup hopes on finishing his best season at Manchester United strongly

0:30 Jesse Lingard believes maintaining his 'best season' at Man Utd is key to securing a place at this summer's World Cup with England Jesse Lingard believes maintaining his 'best season' at Man Utd is key to securing a place at this summer's World Cup with England

Jesse Lingard believes maintaining his "best season" at Manchester United is key to securing a place at this summer's World Cup with England.

The 25-year-old has hit a career-high 13 goals for United this season, more than he has managed in his last two campaigns at Old Trafford combined.

Lingard transferred his impressive club form to the international stage with the winning goal in England's friendly win over the Netherlands.

And, having followed that with a similarly impressive performance against Italy, thoughts understandably turn to this summer's World Cup in Russia.

But, in an exclusive interview with Sky Sports, Lingard insists his focus remains on finishing the season strongly with United.

"It's been a great, positive week," he said. "This season has been my best season, I don't know what to put it down to.

"The goals obviously help, something has clicked this season. I've got to carry on now until the end and see what happens in the summer.

"I've got the get to the end of the season, do well for my club and perform for Manchester United."

Lingard's first international goal sealed England's friendly win against the Netherlands

Jose Mourinho has been criticised for his treatment of young players at United this season, most notably left-back Luke Shaw.

But Lingard's performances have been a testament to the Portuguese's methods, and the forward revealed he is determined to repay the faith of his manager.

"He's given me confidence by putting faith in me to play in my preferred role in the No 10 position," he added.

Lingard believes Sir Alex Ferguson was right to say he would come good at the age of 25 at United Lingard believes Sir Alex Ferguson was right to say he would come good at the age of 25 at United

"I can only thank him for that. It's good that I can repay him by scoring goals and helping the team.

"It's up to him if he believes in a player and trusts the player to go and perform. He's done that with me, one week you might play and score and the next you're on the bench."

Lingard's prolific season in front of goal was kick-started with a double in United's 2-0 victory over Swansea in the fourth round of the Carabao Cup in October.

4:54 A preview of Saturday's Premier League games including Man Utd v Swansea and Everton v Manchester City A preview of Saturday's Premier League games including Man Utd v Swansea and Everton v Manchester City

United host the relegation-threatened Swans at Old Trafford on Saturday looking to strengthen their grip on second place in the Premier League, and Lingard is relishing the prospect.

"Swansea are battling to get out of the relegation zone, it will be a tough game," he said.

"But if we apply ourselves right and be patient, I'm sure the opening will come and we can exploit it."

Catch the full interview with Jesse Lingard on Soccer Saturday from midday on Sky Sports News.