Jesse Lingard could also be 5,500 miles away in South Korea, however he nonetheless has a robust love for Manchester United.
The 32-year-old, now taking part in with FC Seoul within the Okay League, tuned in for United’s Europa League remaining defeat to Tottenham Hotspur final week, regardless of the 4am kickoff in Seoul.
“I needed to watch the ultimate. My love and assist will all the time be with United,” Lingard informed BBC Sport. “I nonetheless watch their video games or catch highlights.”
Even from such a distance, Lingard says United’s id stays unchanged, even by means of the troublesome intervals.
“They’ll all the time be one of many greatest golf equipment on the planet and supporters will assist them by means of thick and skinny. It may be a long-term venture with Ruben Amorim. He is aware of what he needs to do.”
But he additionally recognises the difficulties United face when exterior the Champions League, admitting that lacking out on Europe makes attracting gamers far tougher.
Setting sail for Seoul
Lingard’s transfer to South Korea was a giant step for the midfielder. Whereas his household have visited Seoul, day-to-day communication depends on FaceTime.
“It’s robust since you wish to be there in actual life,” he mentioned.
Jesse Lingard says he “did not have a selection” when he joined Nottingham Forest, when there was an choice to go to West Ham 🗣💬 pic.twitter.com/sXbUXV7k6s
— Match of the Day (@BBCMOTD) Might 30, 2025
“However what’s good is my daughter understands what I’m doing and why. She is all the time on the Nintendo, taking part in with FC Seoul and scoring objectives as me.”
Leaving Manchester United was emotional for Lingard, who spent 22 years at Outdated Trafford earlier than becoming a member of Nottingham Forest in 2022. That transfer, he now says, didn’t really feel totally in his management.
“I principally didn’t have a selection,” Lingard displays.
“I knew what I wished to do. I knew what West Ham had supplied and what Forest had. There was a spot I’d have most popular to go, however I didn’t really feel like I might voice my opinion.
“Now I see individuals didn’t have my finest pursuits at coronary heart. However clearly West Ham didn’t occur. I went to Forest.”
After an injury-hit marketing campaign at Forest, Lingard moved to Seoul to search out each a contemporary begin and peace of thoughts. Meniscus surgical procedure initially slowed his progress, however he has since hit his stride, taking part in 40 video games and scoring 10 objectives.
“I’m operating between 10-12km each recreation, my high-speed runs are all the time excessive,” he added
“I’ve been injury-free the entire season, taking good care of my physique, recovering higher, consuming proper. In England I had my chef and coach with me. Right here, it’s completely totally different, I’ve obtained to do it by myself.”
Lingard’s contract with FC Seoul expires in November, although the membership has an choice to increase it for an additional yr.