Jesse Lingard interview: Ex-Man Utd man on Neymar, life in Brazil and his trophy target

It’s no surprise that Lingard is closely following developments at Manchester United, reflecting on an “incredible chapter” at his boyhood club.

Lingard spent 20 years at United and left in June 2022 when his contract expired. I joined Nottingham Forest the following month.

“We have achieved wonderful things,” he says. “But there’s going to be a point where you move on. For me, it was Korea.”

Lingard knows “everyone was a bit shocked” when he moved there, but says he had to do it to focus on football and “clear my mind.”

Like Corinthians, United have had a turbulent season but are on course to return to the Champions League after a surge in form since Michael Carrick succeeded Ruben Amorim as manager in January.

Lingard says United have come on “leaps and bounds” under his former team-mate and it is certain Carrick should be given the job permanently.

“It can be difficult with different managers coming in, with different ideas, different staff,” he says.

“But I think they are really on the right track with Michael. I know him from my United days. I know how he operates. The lads are doing very well under him.

“He has that Manchester United DNA in him. He knows the ins and outs of the club.”

Lingard remains in close contact with United captain Bruno Fernandes.

“He has always wanted to see the best of me at United,” says Lingard. “He’s always been a guy that’s been there, that I can always reach out to.”

Fernandes (31) has provided 18 assists in the Premier League season – two short of the record with five games remaining.

Former teammate Paul Pogba said Fernandes earlier this week would be in contention to win the Ballon d’Or if he played for a team like Manchester City.

Lingard believes Fernandes should be up and running anyway.

“100%,” he says. “His performances at Manchester United this season have been extraordinary. He has to be up there.”