Gareth Southgate placed ‘lot of faith’ in one former Man Utd ace who had ‘big season’ under Jose Mourinho, he stepped up

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A former Manchester United star has recalled the “real confidence boost” that he had under Jose Mourinho ahead of representing England under Gareth Southgate at the 2018 World Cup.

Jose Mourinho’s Manchester United reign at Old Trafford came to an end in 2018 after he was sacked by the Premier League club.

The Fenerbahce manager did enjoy success during his time in the Old Trafford hot seat after he replaced ex-United boss Louis van Gaal in 2016.

Mourinho’s debut season at the Premier League club saw the Red Devils lift the League Cup title and the Europa League trophy in the 2016-17 campaign.

The 62-year-old Portuguese coach fell short of securing United’s first Premier League title during the 2017-18 season since Sir Alex Ferguson retired in 2013.

United finished second in the Premier League title race behind Manchester City and the Red Devils also lost out on the FA Cup trophy in the 2018 final to Chelsea.

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Ex-Man Utd talent under Southgate

Gareth Southgate has been out of management since he stepped down as England boss at the end of Euro 2024 in Germany last summer.

The 54-year-old former England head coach led the Three Lions to the finals of Euro 2020 and Euro 2024, but he failed to lift any major silverware during his reign.

Southgate’s first major tournament with the Three Lions was the 2018 World Cup in Russia, with England reaching the semi-finals of the tournament.

Jesse Lingard was part of the England team for the 2018 World Cup and he played in six of the seven matches for the Three Lions under Southgate.

The 32-year-old former United star insisted that he had a “big season” under ex-Red Devils boss Jose Mourinho at Old Trafford ahead of playing for England.

Lingard played 48 matches for the Red Devils in the 2017-18 season under Mourinho and netted 13 times and registered seven assists for United.

Speaking to The Independent, Lingard said: “Mourinho was so chilled sometimes.

“He used to FaceTime me from his room in the Lowry [hotel], ask me what I’m doing. I thought that was a real confidence boost.

“During that season, leading up to the 2018 World Cup, Jose played me most games… it was a big season.

“And you know, going to the World Cup, you’re not expecting to start. But Gareth Southgate had a lot of faith in me from a young age, and I played every game.”

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Lingard on his new opportunity

Jesse Lingard signed for FC Seoul in 2024 after a period as a free agent and the former England international has been offered a fresh start at the club.

The ex-West Ham and Nottingham Forest has become a key first-team player for the K League 1 outfit and has ascended to the captaincy at FC Seoul.

“Even though I’m far away from my family and my daughter, last year I had a blast,” he said.

“My daughter and family came out. It was good. Sometimes it’s good to just get away and have a little bit of change.

“I’m still happy playing football, no matter where I am.”