Jesse Lingard in nightmare Corinthians debut as ex-Man United star’s side flop
Jesse Lingard’s Corinthians career got up and running this week but not in the manner the ex-Manchester United star would have envisioned
Jesse Lingard made a losing start to life in Brazil(Image: Ruano Carneiro/Getty Images)
Former Manchester United star Jesse Lingard made a disappointing start to life at Corinthians. At least in the sense that his new club came off a lacklustre second-best in their clash against Fluminense.
Lingard, 33, has been patiently biding his time in Sao Paulo awaiting his Brazilian bow after agreeing to join Corinthians in early March. And the moment finally came on Wednesday evening as he came off the bench to play his part in a 3-1 defeat in Rio de Janeiro.
Corinthians were perhaps never expected to pull off the upset at the Maracana given they’re hovering around mid-table. Fluminenese, meanwhile, moved level on points with Palmeiras at the top of the Brasileiro Serie A standings following their latest win.
Dorival Junior’s side were already trailing by two goals at half-time when Lingard was introduced in place of Breno Bidon. However, any chance of flipping the scoreline was effectively extinguished when team-mate Allan was shown red for an ill-advised gesture to his crotch.
Get MEN Premium now for just £1 HERE – or get involved in our United WhatsApp group by clicking HERE. You can also join our United Facebook page by clicking HERE and don’t miss out on our brilliant selection of newsletters HERE.
For his part, Lingard looked impressive during his first display on Brazilian soil. The Englishman even came close to scoring on debut before Fluminense goalkeeper Fabio shut the door in his face.
Overall, Lingard made a positive impression on the match and found himself in a nightmare scenario after Corinthians were reduced to 10 men. As such, his impact on the game was always going to be limited.
The hope now is that the veteran can secure a starting berth for Sunday’s game against Internacional. Not only will the opposition be easier but it will see Lingard march out in front of a home crowd for the first time in Sao Paulo.
Lingard moved to Brazil after spending almost two years on the books with South Korean club FC Seoul. By coming off the bench on Wednesday, he became the first Englishman to play in the first tier of Brazilian football.
While he’s made his debut, Lingard will have to wait before he can link up with former United team-mate Memphis Depay. The Dutchman has been on the books in Sao Paulo since 2024 but has been away with the Netherlands on national team duty.
Another familiar face will be that of ex-Arsenal defender Gabriel Paulista. However, the former foe has turned comrade after he himself moved back to Brazil earlier this year.
Despite his age, there were plenty of signs on Wednesday to suggest there’s life in Lingard yet. The playmaker has signed a nine-month contract until the end of 2026 but could extend his deal if he makes a certain amount of appearances this season.
England’s 2026 World Cup kits
England and Nike have launched the new home, away and goalkeeper kits to be worn at this summer’s FIFA World Cup. You can get free delivery on all orders with the code: ENGFREEDEL