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

It’s no surprise that Lingard has been following developments at Manchester United closely and has reflected on an “amazing chapter” at his boyhood club.

Lingard spent 20 years at United, leaving when his contract expires in June 2022. The following month he joined Nottingham Forest.

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

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

Like Corinthians, United have had a turbulent season, but are on their way back to the Champions League after a surge in form. Michael Carrick replaced Ruben Amorim in January.

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

“It can be difficult with different managers coming in, 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 works. The boys are doing really well under him.

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

Lingard maintains close contact with United captain Bruno Fernandes.

“He always wanted to see my best at United,” Lingard said. “He was always the guy that was there, that I could always reach out to.”

Fernandez, 31, has provided 18 assists in the Premier League season – two short of the record with five matches remaining.

Former teammate Paul Pogba told Fernandes earlier this week Will be in contention to win the Ballon d’Or If he plays for a team like Manchester City.

Lingard believes Fernandes should be in the running anyway.

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