Manchester United winger Jesse Lingard's contract renewal was greeted with widespread criticism, but Jose Mourinho explained why the club gave the player a new long-term deal.

Read: Confirmed: Man Utd Star Signs New Long-Term Deal

The England international signed a new four-year deal on Thursday reportedly worth £100,000-a-week.

The news was greeted with widespread criticism on social media, with many questioning if Lingard was worth £100,000-a-week.

"He is English, made in the academy," Mourinho told a news conference. "These players are very important for clubs.

"It is a very important contract and I congratulate him and the board to agree with him and give stability to me. Important for me to know he is not in danger [of going elsewhere].

"He is a good player already and, because of his age and happiness in the work, he can be even better."

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Does Lingard deserve a £100,000-a-week contract? Have your say in the comment section below.