Jesse Lingard is open about how he broke in tears when he finally broke up with Manchester United.
Despite a career that showed a great potential early, the midfielder experienced turbulent times in northwestern England after breaking the youth ranks of the Red Devils in 2011. After loan periods in Leicester, Birmingham, Brighton and Derby, Lingard made a name for himself The first United team during the 2015/16 season under Louis van Gaal, and was often part of the line-up under Jose Mourinho.
However, the desire of Ole Gunnar Solskjaer to transform the team saw Lingard losing his place to newcomers such as Bruno Fernandes. A rejuvenating loan to West Ham in January 2021, where he scored nine goals in 16 games, was still not enough to strengthen his position in Old Trafford on his return that summer.
Eventually he chose to leave United for Nottingham Forest on a free transfer in 2022, looking for a new chapter, but that step was unable to make the same promise he showed in West Ham. After a bleak spell on the city, the 32-year-old went to South Korea with FC Seoul.
Lingard was open about his time at United and trusted an interview with The Independent: “Being in the same environment for a long time, it oppresses you a bit.
“In football you have always received a number of ups and downs. You have to be mentally strong. And you know, sometimes at United, I wasn't. Things happen from the field that you can't really control. Field.
He continued: “It comes at a certain point where, if you don't play regularly, you don't just sit there for the money. I was really berped and locked up at that moment. The way I played, when you return to your home club , expect to play.
'Of course that did not happen. You get frustrated. My application in the training was always 100 percent every day, you know. But you come to a certain time where you have to leave. The last day I cried the way home.
“Playing for that badge week in, week out is one of the best feelings I have had.”
Despite the departure, the shape of Lingard certainly did not peak in Forest, with only 17 Premier League presages in the 2022/23 season. Eventually released when his contract ended, he joined FC Seoul in February and played 26 games in his first season, with six goals.
Just started with the new K-League season, which runs until October, Lingard hopes for better fortunes, especially because his current deal runs until December 2025. The Manchester Evening News reports that the 32-year-old also has an option view another one Year in the South Korean capital if he would choose to do this.
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