Aheed Abrar
Victor Lindelof relishing competition for place at Manchester United
Manchester United defender Victor Lindelof is relishing the competition for places in the team at the Old Trafford side under Erik ten Hag.
The Swedish national has not been the first name on the team sheet since the Dutch manager’s arrival in the Red Devils’ dugout last summer. Raphael Varane and Lisandro Martinez seem to be ahead of the 29-year-old in the pecking order.
However, speaking to Sky Sports via Manchester Evening News, Lindelof is not let down by the fact that he is not guaranteed minutes at United. Instead, the defender seems to be up for the challenge in front of him.
“We are playing at the biggest club in the world, so there should be players who are competing for different positions. It is not a problem, I like it, and I think they [Varane and Martinez] have been playing great together.”
In the summer of 2017, the Red Devils signed the Swedish national from SL Benfica. Since then, the defender has been a key member of the Old Trafford side’s squad under various managers.
Under Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, Lindelof formed a solid partnership with Harry Maguire initially. The two were ever-present in the Red Devils starting lineup under the Norwegian head coach.
However, the Old Trafford side looked shaky with the Swedish national and former Leicester City star in the backline. Ten Hag ended up forming a new partnership at the club.
Varane and Martinez were the gaffer’s preferred duo last season. The French and Argentine nationals have started together in the first two matches of the 2023/24 term as well.
Lindelof came off the bench in the second half in the opening game of the season against Wolverhampton Wanderers. At the backend of the previous campaign, the former Benfica defender was relied upon heavily due to Martinez’s injury.
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Despite not being the first choice, Ten Hag often calls upon the Swedish national when required. It is encouraging to see that the centre-back is not intimidated by the challenge presented at the Old Trafford side.
