Jesse Lingard links his Manchester United dream to helping Derby with Premier League aspiration

Jesse Lingard is hopeful he can help Derby County achieve their dream of returning to the Premier League, which will in turn help him achieve his dream of breaking into the first team at Manchester United.

The 22-year-old midfielder was set to appear for United's Under-21 side on Monday's transfer deadline day but was pulled out of the squad following Derby's approach.

Lingard agreed to join Steve McClaren's side until the end of the season, after first signing a new three-and-half year contract at Old Trafford.

The England Under-21 international will bolster Derby's already strong chances of returning to the English top flight for the first time in seven years, with the club sat joint-top of the Championship with Bournemouth, who lead on goal difference.

"It was important for me to pledge my future to Manchester United, and then Derby wanted to take me on loan," Lingard told Derby's official website.

"I sat down with my family and considered coming here and I think, by looking around the place, that I have made the right choice.

"The style of play was a big pull, but the head coach, the group of the lads that they have already got here made the move a really attractive one.

"I have already seen that the rest of the lads are a good bunch and this is a big chance to be part of a promotion push."

Lingard was named in Louis van Gaal's first competitive starting XI in the first game of the season against Swansea City in August but suffered a knee injury that ruled him out for the rest of 2014.

But with his future at Old Trafford now assured, he is confident his development is now back on track.

"I want to play for Manchester United," he continued. "That is my main aim and by coming on loan to Derby, I have a great chance to continue to develop and help them achieve their dream of getting back to the Premier League and hopefully that will help me achieve mine as well."