Jesse Lingard has revealed that he will be "emotional" upon his return to Old Trafford for Manchester United's Premier League clash with Nottingham Forest, while also telling his former side that he has "a job to do".
Lingard, who was released by United at the end of last season following the expiry of his contract, joined Premier League newcomers Nottingham Forest. The attacking midfielder has teamed up with Dean Henderson at the City Ground on a one-year contract.
Forest currently find themselves 18th in the table, one point behind Everton and West Ham outside the relegation zone. Steve Cooper's side had 10 players called up for the World Cup in Qatar, as their side prepare for a trip to Old Trafford upon their return to Premier League action.
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Erik ten Hag will no doubt be looking for his side to hit the ground running against Forest, as he knows that despite their opposition averaging less than a goal per game in the league, nothing can be taken for granted.
Lingard will have more of an incentive than most players on the pitch when the two sides meet in less than a fortnight's time, as he looks to show his former club what he still has to offer.
He told The Athletic : “I am excited about going back to Old Trafford. I will go there wanting to win — that is the most important thing. It will be emotional on one front. But we have a job to do. If we can get three points, that is the most important thing. I will look forward to catching up with a lot of people after the game. But I want to do that after a win."
The 30-year-old also opened up on the reasons for his move to Forest, as he revealed that he feels valued at his current side.
“I wanted to play regular football. It is hard sitting on the bench. It was my time to move on. I knew it would benefit me, if I moved to Nottingham. I had lots of conversations with the owners; with the Marinakis family. They showed a lot of love towards me.
"You have to go into a team where you feel wanted. I felt that more from them than from anyone else.”
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