FC Seoul manager sends brutal warning to Jesse Lingard after three games for new club

FC Seoul manager has sent a brutal warning to former Manchester United midfielder Jesse Lingard after three games at his new club.

Lingard moved to the South Korean K League 1 side in February, having been a free agent since his release from Nottingham Forest at the end of June.

The 28-year-old's arrival has sent FC Seoul supporters into a frenzy, and thousands of supporters were seen queueing up to buy Lingard merchandise before his first home fixture against Incheon.

And the match broke an all-time K League attendance record, with 51,670 supporters inside the 66,000-capacity stadium to watch Lingard play 30 minutes during a 0-0 draw.

He was then part of the side that won 2-0 against Jeju on Saturday - and took part in a club tradition afterwards that you can watch below.

It has understandably taken time for Lingard to get up to full match sharpness, given that his last competitive match prior to his move was a three-minute cameo for Forest against Manchester United in April.

His last 90 minutes came in August 2022 - underlining how little football Lingard has actually played in recent seasons.

But speaking to Korean media after FC Seoul's 2-0 win over Jeju, manager Kim Gi-dong criticised the midfielder - and sent him a clear warning about his future at the club.

He said (quotes via Korea Joongang Daily): "He only played a few minutes, and yet he didn't work hard and avoided tussle. If you run less than a footballer who has played 90 minutes, you're not even a footballer.

"Fame doesn't win football games. If it did, I would have brought in a famous retired player."

Kim continued: "As we have not spent a long time together yet, I don't think he showed the performance from his glory days.

"I think he still showed good moves a few times. I will help him play better."

FC Seoul are seventh in the K League after their first three fixtures, while Lingard is still awaiting his first start for the club.

That could come in two weeks when the side travel to Gangwon - although he may need to impress the manager in the meantime.