Erik ten Hag believes Manchester United defender Victor Lindelof is capable of playing in midfield
Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag believes that Victor Lindelof is capable of playing in the middle of the park when needed.
Against Nottingham Forest in the second leg of the Carabao Cup semi-final at Old Trafford, the Sweden international came on as a substitute with 10 minutes to go. The centre-back replaced Casemiro in the engine room and slotted in the Brazilian’s position.
The Red Devils ended up winning the match 2-0. Both our goals came in the second half. The 28-year-old saw off the game playing in the number six position.
Speaking to the media via The Sun, Ten Hag expressed his faith in Lindelof having the ability to play in the midfield. The gaffer wants his defenders to get involved in the middle of the park.
“He was educated as a six, a control, holding midfielder in Benfica, I know he can do that. We tried it in training, maybe one game, I want my centre halves in midfield positions so we create dynamics to construct more dynamic.”
The Swedish national has been a bit-part player at United in the current campaign. Over the years, the centre-back has played a pivotal role in the team. But under Ten Hag, the 28-year-old has found game time hard to come by.
Lisandro Martinez and Raphael Varane have been the Dutch manager’s preferred duo at the back. The Argentina and France international has formed a solid partnership this season.
Victor Lindelof Appreciation Tweet 👏 pic.twitter.com/5iBSiTSbQx
— Manchester United (@ManUtd) July 17, 2020
As a result, alongside Lindelof, Harry Maguire has also gone down the pecking order. Therefore, the Red Devils have a lot of depth in the defensive area.
However, where we do lack options is in the engine room. Donny van de Beek has been ruled out for the rest of the campaign after picking up a knee injury. Christian Eriksen has also been sidelined for a considerable period.
Also, Scott McTominay has a slight fitness issue as well. As a result, Casemiro and Fred are the only two established midfielders in the team. Although, the Old Trafford side signed Marcel Sabitzer on deadline day to bolster the ranks.
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However, with a packed schedule up ahead, anything can happen. Therefore, trying out Lindelof in the middle of the park gives Ten Hag another temporary option in the squad. Hopefully, it does not come to a point where the centre-back actually has to start in the position.
