Jesse Lingard opens up on life in South Korea after Manchester United exit

Jesse Lingard may be 5,500 miles away in South Korea, but he still has a strong love for Manchester United.

The 32-year-old, now playing with FC Seoul in the K League, tuned in for United’s Europa League final defeat to Tottenham Hotspur last week, despite the 4am kickoff in Seoul.

“I had to watch the final. My love and support will always be with United,” Lingard told BBC Sport. “I still watch their games or catch highlights.”

Even from such a distance, Lingard says United’s identity remains unchanged, even through the difficult periods.

“They will always be one of the biggest clubs in the world and supporters will support them through thick and thin. It might be a long-term project with Ruben Amorim. He knows what he wants to do.”

Yet he also recognises the difficulties United face when outside the Champions League, admitting that missing out on Europe makes attracting players far harder.

Setting sail for Seoul

Lingard’s move to South Korea was a big step for the midfielder. While his family have visited Seoul, day-to-day communication relies on FaceTime.

“It’s tough because you want to be there in real life,” he said.

Jesse Lingard says he “didn’t have a choice” when he joined Nottingham Forest, when there was an option to go to West Ham pic.twitter.com/sXbUXV7k6s

— Match of the Day (@BBCMOTD) May 30, 2025

“But what’s good is my daughter understands what I’m doing and why. She is always on the Nintendo, playing with FC Seoul and scoring goals as me.”

Leaving Manchester United was emotional for Lingard, who spent 22 years at Old Trafford before joining Nottingham Forest in 2022. That move, he now says, didn’t feel fully in his control.

“I basically didn’t have a choice,” Lingard reflects.

“I knew what I wanted to do. I knew what West Ham had offered and what Forest had. There was a place I’d have preferred to go, but I didn’t feel like I could voice my opinion.

“Now I see people didn’t have my best interests at heart. But obviously West Ham didn’t happen. I went to Forest.”

After an injury-hit campaign at Forest, Lingard moved to Seoul to find both a fresh start and peace of mind. Meniscus surgery initially slowed his progress, but he has since hit his stride, playing 40 games and scoring 10 goals.

“I’m running between 10-12km every game, my high-speed runs are always high,” he added

“I’ve been injury-free the whole season, taking care of my body, recovering better, eating right. In England I had my chef and trainer with me. Here, it’s totally different, I’ve got to do it on my own.”

Lingard’s contract with FC Seoul expires in November, though the club has an option to extend it for another year.