Fans of both Jesse Lingard and Manchester United will be in a bit of a pickle as to whom they should cheer on for as Nottingham Forest FC goes up against Manchester United FC on 28th Dec in the Premier League. The moment will also be a bit emotional for Lingard as he returns to Old Trafford. It was the 2021-22 season when we last saw the attacking midfielder in the reds of united. But after the contract expired, we saw Jesse playing in a different red of Nottingham Forest. Lingard previously felt that he was being led down. And not happy with the way the club handled him in the last 12 months before his departure.
Nonetheless, it is a match that everyone is looking forward to. Plus, it will be more interesting to see how Nottingham Forest & Lingard approach this match. Being at the bottom of the table (18th position) and going up against manchester united (5th position). Who previously won 2 of the three matches they played, including a draw? Despite the odds, Jesse Lingard will be fired up to go against his former team. And have a chance here to prove something, that he still has a lot of potential.
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Lingard On Playing Against United:
Recently, Lingard did an interview where he expressed himself and talked about how he feels playing against his former team. Comparing the treatment of both the clubs as well.
Excited to play back again at Old Trafford, Lingard looks forward to bringing his A game. Showing that he still has a lot to offer as an attacking midfielder & winger. Even though it will be emotional for him, the aim is to win, as they have a job to do, he adds further talking to the Athletic.
Nottingham Forest, at the moment, is in the bottom 3 of the table in the premier league. Making this match even more important for them. Jesse also feels the same, as it will uplift the morale of the team, plus those 3 points will help them climb up the table.
Lingard also opens up about the treatment he is getting here at Nottingham forest Fc. Compared to that of his former team and why he left. He feels welcomed to the side and appreciated & valued by his teammates and fans.
All the things that he previously missed at Manchester united. It was very hard for him to watch from the sidelines, and he was even battling with depression at the time.
I wanted to play Regular Football – Jesse Lingard
Jesse Lingard knew it was his time to move on. After a lot of thinking and consideration, Lingard accepted Nottingham forest’s offer. Which he believes will benefit him. The idea was to go wherever he felt that he was wanted and valued.
Coming back to Old Trafford, he wants to meet and catch up with everyone and relive the memories. But all comes after the match, where he would like to continue the rhythm he has found again. And continue the form he has had in the past few matches in this premier league.
Balancing On & Off Pitch life:
Lingard very much believes in having an off-pitch life. And thinks it’s very important to have one, as most are aware that Jesse has his own line of clothing- JLINGZ. Apart from a clothing brand, he also owns an ESports team that competes in Halo & rainbow six sieges. And most recently announced a partnership with Virtua, expanding into the metaverse.
The way he looks at all these is that a player is also a human being. And needs to have something outside of football to keep him fresh. Plus, having interests and managing the brand provides the chance to meet and create a social network. He also likes to play call of duty himself when not playing football. Nonetheless, all of these off-pitch activities have helped to bond with his teammates, which is favorable for the club.
But his Main focus will always be on this game, and no matter what, he will be at his best, be it training or game. He adds further. But even if you do all that, it’s only natural for critics to be against these activities. Believing it all to be distractions.
