Manchester United let Jesse Lingard’s contract expire in 2022 and it has looked a wise decision ever since.
The academy graduate made 232 appearances for Manchester United and was a very solid squad player to have at the time, albeit not good enough to be a starter.
Jesse Lingard stats at Manchester United
232 games
35 goals
20 assists
Since his United contract expired in 2022, Lingard spent a season with Nottingham Forest but was released by the Premier League side in the summer of 2023.
After this, Lingard was without a club until February 2024 when he joined FC Seoul where he has been since. Lingard has been subject of regular criticism before and after his United exit.
However, he certainly seems to be enjoying his time in South Korea. Seoul even had Lingard as captain for some games.
Now, he has been discussing the current United team with one man getting praise.
Photo by Craig Mercer/MB Media/Getty Images
Photo by Craig Mercer/MB Media/Getty Images
Jesse Lingard lauds Bruno Fernandes
Lingard rarely speaks out about United, usually only in defence of himself amid continuous critique of his behaviour while playing for the club, which he is right to do.
But now, Lingard has been speaking with the Daily Mail in an exclusive interview which saw the Carabao Cup winner reflect on his time at United, claiming he wasn’t a failure.
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Lingard also raved about one player in particular who still stars for United today, club captain Bruno Fernandes.
“Look at Bruno [Fernandes] — I love Bruno to death. We spoke a lot when I was there, and he always wanted to do well so badly. I’d say he is the main figure now, and that’s what you need. A few more leaders.”
Lingard is spot on with his stance on Bruno, as the Portugal international is the star of the club and has been for years now. It is also correct in that United need more players like him.
Manchester United need more leaders but Ineos are on the right track
The squad at the disposal of Ruben Amorim has its problems but Ineos are doing a solid job of rebuilding thus far.
After years of underwhelming business, the past two transfer windows for United have been impressive with seven successful deals out of seven at the moment.
One area that is improving as a result is in the leadership department, with Matthijs de Ligt and Manuel Ugarte both leaders in their own way.
Additionally, Noussair Mazraoui has been labelled a leader by Amorim, with his on-field consistency impressive and a good player for others to aspire to be like.
Ineos’ summer rebuild of 2025 will likely see youngsters signed however, even the likes of Chris Rigg bring traits of a leader which will develop with age.