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Manchester United conducted a mini-revamp of the backline with Raphael Varane and Willy Kambwala departing as Leny Yoro and Matthijs de Ligt were signed in their place.
The Red Devils were eager to offload Victor Lindelof as well but he suffered an injury in pre-season. Apart from the toe injury, his wage demands also meant no deal materialised despite plenty of interest.
The 30-year-old has made seven appearances in all competitions since regaining fitness, playing at full-back and defensive midfield in a few games while also starting in his usual centre-back spot in a few games.
Erik ten Hag had identified the Swede as a backup option out wide if needed but injuries to Yoro and Harry Maguire have meant Lindelof also got his chance to play at the heart of the backline.
Lindelof’s future
The Sweden international’s current deal ends in 2025 and the 20-time English league champions have no intention of offering him a contract renewal.
Interestingly, new head coach Ruben Amorim had played with the defender during his time in Benfica and both share a good bond, which could in turn lead to a rise in minutes and a possible renewal.
After all, INEOS will discuss with the Portuguese before embarking on contract talks. But the former Sporting Lisbon boss had made it clear to the new co-owners that he wants players who can handle the intensity of his methods.
And at the age of 30, with a poor recent injury record, the Sweden international certainly does not look like he will be able to crack the code.
That is why he has offered his services to Serie A clubs like Juventus while their rivals AC Milan are also eyeing the United star.
AC Milan advisor and former United striker Zlatan Ibrahimovic was asked about his compatriot and these recent links. He said, “There are a lot of rumours going around. That rumour is more because I’m Swedish, and Lindelöf is Swedish.”
He refused to let these rumours die down, claiming that Lindelof is an excellent player and that the Rossoneri are always looking to strengthen with the addition of great players.
“He’s a fantastic player. I think he’s doing well at United,” Ibrahimovic was quoted as saying by Fotbollskanalen. “We have many good players in that position. I don’t know what he wants.
Zlatan on Lindelof
“I think you have to ask him. If we are there? You never know. We want a lot. And we’re working for it.”
Lindelof will be free to agree a pre-contract agreement from January unless the Old Trafford side can move him on for a small fee in the winter itself.
He was brought to the club by Jose Mourinho back in 2017 and has had a mixed career in Manchester. It is clear that he is no longer the answer and needs to go somewhere else to prolong his club career.
Serie A’s slow pace and technical style will suit the Swede. It remains to be seen if he stays for the full season under Amorim and which team he ultimately joins.