Lingard backs Ronaldo, claims Manchester United “miles” behind opponents off the field.

• Lingard supports Ronaldo, says Manchester United ‘miles’ behind rivals off the field.

Jesse Lingard has defended claims from Cristiano Ronaldo regarding the lack of progress that has left Manchester United “miles” behind their rivals.

The Red Devils have seen a much-needed return to form on the field in 2022–23, under the direction of Erik ten Hag, which raises the possibility of mounting a title challenge. However, severe concerns have been raised about the Premier League heavyweights off the field.

In the contentious interview that resulted in Ronaldo’s exit from Old Trafford, he admitted that “nothing changed” during his two spells at the club. Lingard has also questioned why a superpower on the scale of the world has allowed itself to stagnate.

Lingard, who left United as a free agent in 2022, has told the Diary of CEO podcast: “You know what it is, I think they’re so behind with everything. You see [Manchester] City’s facilities, you see Tottenham’s facilities when we go there with England and train at Tottenham, like people are miles ahead. Even the social side of things and that.

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I went to them like 2017 about YouTube and doing content, but they’re so behind on everything. I just want them to get up to date with the new things that are happening, the things that are popping. You’ve got to be relevant, you’ve got to stay relevant.”

Lingard, who is now on the books at Nottingham Forest, added when asked about Ronaldo’s comments: “Yeah, and he left [the first time] years ago! You want the best things, especially as United is one of the biggest clubs in the world. You want the best for the best.

Of course you want the best food and you want the swimming pool and the jacuzzi and the sauna, which is still there but [it should] be a bit more modern. Modernise, because you see City’s facilities and you think, ‘Get up to date, catch up a little bit!’ because they’re way behind at the moment.”

More investment could be on the way at Old Trafford, which would allow the club to move with the times, as the Glazer family have opened themselves up to offers that may lead to a big-money takeover being completed.