It isn’t any shock Lingard is following developments at Manchester United carefully, and he displays on an “amazing chapter” at his boyhood membership.
Lingard spent 20 years at United, leaving in June 2022 when his contract expired. He joined Nottingham Forest the next month.
“We 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 is aware of “everyone was a bit shocked” when he moved there, however says he wanted to take action to focus on soccer and “clear my mind”.
Like Corinthians, United have had a turbulent season, however are on course to return to the Champions League following an upturn in kind since Michael Carrick succeeded Ruben Amorim as manager in January.
Lingard says United have come on “leaps and bounds” beneath his former team-mate and is for certain Carrick needs to be given the job completely.
“It can be difficult with different managers coming in, having different ideas, different personnel,” he says.
“But I think they’re really on the right track with Michael. I know him from my United days. I know how he operates. The lads are doing really well under him.
“He’s bought that Manchester United DNA within him. He is aware of the ins and outs of the membership.”
Lingard remains in close contact with United captain Bruno Fernandes.
“He all the time wished to see the most effective of me at United,” says Lingard. “He’s all the time been a man that is been there, that I can all the time attain out to.”
Fernandes, 31, has provided 18 assists in the Premier League season – two short of the record with five matches remaining.
Former team-mate Paul Pogba stated earlier this week that Fernandes would be in contention to win the Ballon d’Or if he performed for a staff like Manchester City.
Lingard believes Fernandes should be in the running anyway.
“100%,” he says. “His performances at Manchester United this season have been extraordinary. He needs to be up there.”
