I needed to leave Man United for Nottingham Forest - other clubs were miles ahead

Jesse Lingard burst on to the scene at Manchester United after progressing through their famed Academy system, but his career at the club didn't end how he, or anyone else, would have hoped.

The attacking midfielder took his first steps with loan spells at Leicester City, Birmingham City, Brighton and Derby County. He then made his Premier League debut in 2014 and went on to play 231 further times for the club, scoring 35 goals and providing 20 assists overall.

However, a loss of form led to his game-time reducing and he joined West Ham on loan in January 2021. He caught the eye with his performances for the Hammers.

READ MORE: Storm Darragh disrupts fixtures with United vs Forest warning and EFL match off

READ MORE: Evans, Lindelof, Shaw - United injury news and return dates ahead of Forest clash

He returned to United that summer but, despite being offered a new contract, he opted to leave 12 months later for pastures new. That's where his move to Nottingham Forest on a free transfer arose.

Speaking to BBC Sport in January 2023, he opened up about that move. "People probably thought I was happy to leave, but I needed to leave. I wasn't playing.

"I got offered a contract, but what's the point? I wasn't going to play. Yeah, it's the biggest club in the world, but happiness is more important for me."

Lingard then outlined why he decided to sign for Forest over West Ham, who were also interested in making his loan deal permanent after the forward put in some sensational performances there.

"I think they showed the love. They showed the willingness and the hunger to want me," he added.

"Things broke down at West Ham - which I can't get into too much - but Nottingham showed the love a lot more than West Ham. Nottingham