Lingard has opened up on how he broke down in tears when he finally left Man Utd

Jesse Lingard has opened up on how he broke down in tears when he finally parted ways with Manchester United.

Despite a career that showed great potential early on, the midfielder experienced turbulent times in the north west of England after breaking through the youth ranks of the Red Devils in 2011. After loan periods at Leicester, Birmingham, Brighton and Derby, Lingard made a name for himself in United's first team during the 2015/16 season under Louis van Gaal, and was often a part of the line-up under Jose Mourinho.

However, Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's yearning to transform the squad saw Lingard lose his spot to newcomers like Bruno Fernandes. A rejuvenating loan to West Ham in January 2021, where he scored nine goals in 16 games, still wasn't enough to solidify his position at Old Trafford upon his return that summer.

Ultimately, he chose to leave United for Nottingham Forest on a free transfer in 2022, seeking a new chapter, but that move failed to deliver the same promise he showed at West Ham. After a dismal spell at The City Ground, the 32-year-old headed for South Korea with FC Seoul.

Opening up about his time at United, Lingard confided in an interview with The Independent: "Being in the same environment for a long time, it kind of stifles you.

"In football, you've always got ups and downs. You've got to be mentally strong. And, you know, sometimes at United, I wasn't. Things happen off the pitch that you can't really control. It affects you on the pitch. I spoke to Ole and a couple of staff members and they understood, because they're human as well."

He continued: "It comes to a certain point where, when you're not playing regularly, you're not just going to sit there for the money. I was really dialled in and locked in at that time. The way I played, when you come back to your home club, you're expecting to play.

"Obviously, that didn't happen. You get frustrated. My application in training each day was always 100 per cent, you know. But, you come to a certain time where you need to leave. The last day, I was crying on the way home. To leave was obviously emotional but it was what I needed to do.

"Playing for that badge week in, week out is one of the best feelings I've had."

Despite leaving, Lingard's form certainly didn't peak at Forest, with only 17 Premier League showings in the 2022/23 season. Eventually released when his contract ended, he joined FC Seoul last February and played 26 matches in his maiden season, netting six goals.

With the new K-League season just starting, which runs until October, Lingard is hoping for better fortunes, especially as his current deal runs until December 2025. However, the Manchester Evening News reports the 32-year-old also has an option to extend for another year in the South Korean capital should he chose to do so.