Manchester United’s Victor Lindelof didn’t enjoy the easiest of starts to life at Old Trafford. The Swedish international, purchased from Benfica last summer, struggled for form and with the intensity of the Premier League last season, making 29 appearances in his debut campaign in English football. However, Lindelof was frequently used during the Champions League, with his touch and passing well suited to the slower pace of the European competition.
After Sweden reached the quarter finals of the World Cup, Lindelof took some well-earned time off, married his long-term partner and has returned to United looking to stake a claim for a place in the starting XI on a permanent basis.
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“I feel great,” said Lindelof to MUTV. “I had a good summer: first, I got married and had an amazing time, then I played in the World Cup, which was also a great experience. And after a good rest, I’m back here and ready for what’s to come. It’s always nice to get a good start, as that gives you more confidence and you can be more relaxed.
“It’s a very tough, competitive league with a lot of great teams. Every game matters and we’ll try our best to win them all. We have to get that winning mentality in every game, in every situation – we have to be 100 per cent in everything we do.”
Lindelof’s performance alongside Eric Bailly last Friday against Leicester City certainly gave Jose Mourinho something to think about. Both he and his Ivorian teammate were purchases made by the Portuguese manager, but this was the first time that they had lined up together in a competitive fixture, and the pair repelled almost everything that came their way. With Marcos Rojo deemed to be surplus to requirements, and Chris Smalling and Phil Jones still struggling to assert themselves as guaranteed starters after over five years at the club, the opportunity is there for Lindelof to make himself a permanent part of Mourinho’s plans.
