FC Seoul star Jesse Lingard has staunchly defended one former Manchester United teammate and claimed that he has “so much dedication” to his football career.
Jesse Lingard came through the Manchester United youth academy and made 232 appearances for the Red Devils after breaking into the first team.
During his spell at Old Trafford, the former United star lifted a Europa League title, an FA Cup and a League Cup before his club exit in 2022.
Lingard went on to sign for Nottingham Forest after his time with United and had a brief spell with the club before he was released at the end of the 2022-23 season.
The 31-year-old ex-United player spent some time as a free agent in 2023 before he completed a free transfer move to FC Seoul in February 2024.
Lingard talks up former Man Utd star
Speaking in a column for The Times, Jesse Lingard opened up about his time at Manchester United and his relationship with different players at Old Trafford.
The former England international admitted that he had ‘supported’ Jadon Sancho, who is now on loan at Chelsea, during his “tough” period at the Red Devils.
Lingard also spoke highly of his relationship with former United teammate Paul Pogba, who came through the youth academy with the FC Seoul star.
Both Paul Pogba and Lingard were part of the United team that won the 2011 FA Youth Cup after beating Sheffield United in the two-leg final.
Lingard has insisted that Pogba, who is currently suspended from football due to a doping ban, is one of the “humblest individuals” that anyone could cross paths with.
“I messaged Jadon Sancho with support and we spoke regularly when he was going through tough times at United,” he explained.
“Another of my boys is Paul Pogba. We connected from day one when he arrived in United’s academy aged 16. I love the kid. So many people want to judge him, but I always think: ‘Jeez, you just don’t know him as a person.’
“If you actually sat down and spoke to Paul, you’d find he’s one of the humblest individuals you’ll ever meet; and football — he loves it to death. He has so much dedication, his own personal trainers, physios, chefs.”
Lingard defends himself amid Pogba comments
Paul Pogba was often met with criticism over his lack of consistent performances for United and heavily criticised for his antics on social media amid his career.
Lingard, much like Pogba, has often been targeted for his behaviour off the pitch and the former Three Lions star has now defended his social media presence.
“But I just think that, as with me, a certain section of the public forms an impression from social media — you know, when we’re seen dancing or having fun,” he continued.
“All we’re doing is expressing ourselves and trying to connect with our followers. We’re happy-go-lucky, good energy, good vibes. We live in the moment — and what’s wrong with that?”
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