Quick Read
- Jesse Lingard has become the first Englishman to play in Brazil’s top-tier Série A following his transfer to Corinthians.
- The midfielder has publicly endorsed Michael Carrick for the permanent Manchester United manager position, citing his strong understanding of the club’s DNA.
- Lingard is focused on winning trophies in Brazil and remains open to the prospect of facing world-class opponents like Neymar in league competition.
SÃO PAULO (Azat TV) – Jesse Lingard has officially transitioned to life in South America, marking a significant milestone as the first English player to feature in Brazil’s top-flight Série A. The 33-year-old former Manchester United midfielder, who joined Corinthians following a spell in South Korea, is now looking to cement his legacy in a new footballing culture.
A New Chapter for Lingard in Brazil
The move to Corinthians initially drew skepticism from local pundits, but Lingard has quickly integrated into the squad under manager Fernando Diniz. Since his arrival, he has already opened his goal-scoring account in the Copa do Brasil. Lingard describes the decision to join the historic club as a test of his own competitive drive, noting that the intensity of the Brazilian fanbase—who frequently interact with players at the training ground—has provided a unique motivation he had not experienced in Europe.
United DNA and Carrick’s Tenure
Despite his departure from Old Trafford in 2022, Lingard remains deeply connected to Manchester United. In a recent interview with BBC Sport, he lauded the club’s current resurgence under manager Michael Carrick, who took over from Ruben Amorim in January. Lingard, who played alongside Carrick during his own time at the club, emphasized that the current manager possesses the necessary institutional knowledge to lead the team forward. He explicitly stated his belief that Carrick should be appointed to the role on a permanent basis to maintain the club’s current upward trajectory.
The Prospect of Facing Neymar
As Lingard acclimatizes to the demands of Brazilian football, he is looking forward to the high-level challenges inherent in the league, including the potential for high-profile matchups against stars like Neymar. While he remains focused on securing silverware with Corinthians, he maintains a pragmatic and confident approach to facing world-class competition. Lingard also expressed optimism regarding England’s chances in the upcoming World Cup, citing the strength of the current squad as a reason for success.
The transition of a high-profile English talent to the Brazilian league signals a potential shift in player movement, suggesting that top-tier veterans are increasingly willing to prioritize competitive novelty and cultural immersion over traditional European career paths.