Solskjaer under attack for naming Man United star as captain despite him not scoring in 2019

Jesse Lingard will captain Manchester United side that will face Astana in a Europa League clash.

The England international is one of four Red Devils' senior players that would feature among academy players.

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer named Lingard, Luke Shaw, Axel Tuanzebe and third-choice keeper Lee Grant among the youth side that will play against the Kazakhstan side.

And Solskjaer believes handing Lingard the club's captaincy greater could motivate him to improve his performances this season.

He told the United website: "Jesse will be captain.

"He's a really good character in this group. He's had his challenges over the last few months but he's coming back into his own now".

Lingard added: "It's a massive honour.

"I said at the start of the season I'd like to be more of a leader type of person, on and off the field.

"You know, being one of the most senior players in the squad.

"Now is the perfect time to show that."

But United faithfuls are mixed as to whether the midfielder deserves the armband.

One wrote: "Lingard as the captain, Ole as the manager. We've become a joke."

Another added: "Tuanzebe has already been our captain once. Why not just give it to him again?

"He is better than Lingard and deserves it more."