Pranav Nair
Paul Scholes urges Solskjaer not to play Victor Lindelof at right-back again
According to BT Sport (h/t The Metro), Manchester United legend Paul Scholes has urged Ole Gunnar Solskajer not to deploy Victor Lindelof at right-back.
The Swedish international’s deployment came as a surprise on the night. Lindelof has played as a right-back in the past, making four appearances in that position for United.
Ironically, the first time he was played in the position for United was in 2017 against Leicester. That game too ended 2-2.
“I think Lindelof at right-back… I don’t think we’ll see it again. Hope we don’t see it again.”
With Aaron Wan-Bissaka sidelined and Axel Tuanzebe having played midweek, the decision was taken to partner Eric Bailly with Harry Maguire and shift Lindelof to the right.
Leicester have a strong left flank, with Harvey Barnes and Timothy Castagne both looking to get forward at every opportunity. Lindelof struggled to match the duo and was not helped by Daniel James, who was not dropping back to help.
Scholes was unimpressed by Lindelof and admitted his preference to play Axel Tuanzebe instead.
“There has to be a better option than that. I thought Tuanzebe was excellent when he came on, because Harvey Barnes was a real threat down that left side.”
Scholes also took an issue with United’s starting line-up on the day. He believes Solskjaer left a number of United’s best players on the bench rather than start them.
The likes of Edinson Cavani, Mason Greenwood and Paul Pogba all started on the bench. Cavani and Pogba came on in the second half but could not help us secure all three points.
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It is understandable why Solskjaer decided to use Lindelof on the right. With Aaron Wan-Bissaka out, the United boss had to do what he thought was best for the team.
While Brandon Williams is an option, the youngster still needs to fine-tune his game. He could have had his hands full dealing with Castagne and Barnes.
With two more games in the next five days, Solskjaer’s decision to rest Tuanzebe also makes sense. Especially since he had played against Everton just four days ago.
