Victor Lindelof’s comments in a recent press conference have led some Manchester United fans to believe that he will leave Old Trafford in the not-so-distant future.
The 28-year-old defender has made over 200 appearances for the club since his £31 million move from Benfica in 2017.
He was a first-team regular under both Jose Mourinho and his successor Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, and featured in 35 games in all competitions last season.
But the Swede has slipped down the pecking order at Old Trafford following the arrival of Lisandro Martinez.
In fact, Lindelof has made just five Premier League starts under Erik ten Hag during the 2022/23 campaign; a lack of game time that has understandably caused concern.
Speaking at a press conference while on international duty with Sweden this week, the centre-back made his feelings known.
“Of course, like every player, you want to play every game and obviously I haven’t done that this season,” he said.
“But like I always say when I come here [to play for Sweden], it’s a pleasure to be here and I’m always happy to represent my country.
“I’m really looking forward to the games that we have and I spoke to Janne [Andersson, Sweden manager] before to say that I was really looking forward to coming here and to perform, and to be on the pitch with the guys again.”
He added: “Like I said, I want to play, that’s why I play football. I want to play games, but I haven’t thought about that [potential transfer], right now I’m just focusing on the national team and then of course, the rest of the season with the club.
“Then in the summer we’ll re-evaluate and see what is best.”
Although his aerial ability has been questioned over the years, the experienced defender rarely puts a foot wrong when he gets minutes in a United shirt.
Ultimately though, the outstanding centre-back partnership of Raphael Varane and Lisandro Martinez has restricted both Lindelof and Harry Maguire to first-team starts of late.
Lindelof’s comments in his press conference has sparked plenty of comment from Manchester United fans on social media.
One said: “He might not be on Martinez or Varane level but he’s definitely not a bench player. He can play weekly in many clubs,” while a second wrote: “Would hate to see him leave, it’s so unfortunate that his career at United wasn’t the best due to not having the right CB partnership… genuinely rate the guy.”
A third wrote: “Lindelof is actually a decent player, too good to be on the bench. Would be sad to see him go but it’s probably best for him.”
A fourth added: “He’s definitely gone.”
I will be gutted if Lindelof leaves this summer. The fact that he’s our third choice right centre half is a fucking embarrassment and ten Hag is to blame. Maguire gets picked over him when it’s clear who the better player is. We saw how good he was when paired with Martinez 😒 pic.twitter.com/9CfjNxYGcI
— 𝙀𝙧𝙞𝙠𝙨𝙚𝙣𝙨𝙖𝙩𝙞𝙤𝙣𝙖𝙡. 🔱🔰 (@UTDEriksen) March 23, 2023
Lindelof’s current deal at Old Trafford will expire in 2024. Do you think he deserves more game time?
Let us know in the comments.
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