Jesse Lingard reveals one Man Utd star he keeps in contact with following move to Brazil

In March 2026, Jesse Lingard made the move to Brazil as he signed a one-year contract to join Corinthians.

It was a move that not many football fans would have predicted the former Manchester United star to make, as historically it has not been a route well-travelled by former England international players.

This was seen as Lingard made history on April 21, as he became the first British player to score a goal in the Copa do Brasil.

During his time at the Red Devils under Louis van Gaal, Jose Mourinho and Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, the England international had been tipped to be a stalwart in the United team; however, by the time he was loaned out to West Ham in January 2021, there was a strong indication his time at the club was over.

He would eventually leave in July 2022 to join freshly promoted Nottingham Forest, but he would struggle to adapt to the club and so would be on the move once again after just one season with the two-time European Cup winners.

Lingard has not played for United since 2022, and it is easy to lose contact with former teammates; however, he has kept in touch with Bruno Fernandes since his decision to leave Manchester.

Speaking to the BBC, Lingard said: “He always wanted to see the best of me at United.

“He's always been a guy that's been there, that I can always reach out to.”

Lingard has been impressed with the United captain's performances and believes he should be in the running for the Ballon d'Or this year.

The former England international claimed: “His performances at Manchester United this season have been extraordinary. He has to be up there."

Lingard has also been impressed by his former teammate Michael Carrick and the work he has done with United since taking over from Ruben Amorim.

Man United have almost secured their place in the Champions League for next season, which has been in no small part due to Carrick.

Lingard said: “It can be difficult with different managers coming in, having different ideas, different personnel.

"But I think they're really on the right track with Michael. I know him from my United days. I know how he operates. The lads are doing really well under him.

"He's got that Manchester United DNA inside of him. He knows the ins and outs of the club."