Jesse Lingard better suited to central role - Man United boss Louis van Gaal

Manchester United manager Louis van Gaal has said he views Jesse Lingard as more of a central player than a wide man.

Lingard impressed in the No. 10 role for Thursday night's 1-1 draw against Liverpool in the Europa League and began Sunday's 1-0 win over Manchester City Sunday in the central role, with Juan Mata moving out to the right.

The 23-year-old performed well before being shifted out wide later in the match and when asked about the player's fine showing in the centre after the game, Van Gaal said: "Yes, that is why I have put him there, but sometimes also I need a right winger who is fast.

"It's also dependent on the opponent and the game plan but I think Jesse is more of a midfielder than a right winger. He played there two times very well."

Lingard's performance on Sunday also drew praise from former United captain Rio Ferdinand, who tweeted: "Lingard.....proper footballer. Does what most kids these days don't appreciate....intelligent movement off the ball."

Lingard.....proper footballer. Does what most kids these days don't appreciate....intelligent movement off the ball.

- Rio Ferdinand (@rioferdy5) March 20, 2016

Van Gaal also praised Morgan Schneiderlin's performance against City, despite worrying that the France international could suffer another dip in form.

Schneiderlin started alongside Michael Carrick as a deep midfielder ahead of Marouane Fellaini, who has been heavily criticised for his recent performances.

"I don't have to say that too loud because the last time I said I am very happy for Morgan Schneiderlin, after that he played not so well, but today he played a very good match," Van Gaal said. "He was a lot of times available to receive the pass but also defensively was very firm and strict and he played also a very important position in midfield.

"I was very happy especially because I had to rotate. Fellaini could not play the fourth game in a row."