Manchester United midfielder Jesse Lingard refuses to blame Van Gaal for team's poor form

Manchester United midfielder Jesse Lingard has backed his embattled manager Louis Van Gaal, saying that the players are responsible for their bad performances and not the Dutchman.

Van Gaal's job has been under scrutiny in recent times due to United's repeated poor performances in the Premier League and because of the club's early exit from Champions League.

The 23-year-old said that United?s recent 3-0 win over Stoke City proved that his side?s players had regained their freedom and got back their lacked energy.

Lingard, however, called on his side to focus on their games, insisting that United could not let their fans down by their poor display, Sport24 reported.

United are currently fifth in the league table and are 10 points behind surprise pace setters Leicester City.

They Van Gaal-led side will next lock horns with 13th-placed Chelsea on February 7.