How Does Victor Lindelöf Fit In At Manchester United?

Concerns?

There are a few question marks on his fit into the team as well. Firstly, Lindelöf is primarily right-footed and performs best when played as the right-sided center back. But that could lead to a clash in preference with Eric Bailly, who also performs best from the same position. It would be intriguing to see who makes an adjustment although both the young defenders should improve their game and be comfortable on both sides of central defence.

Secondly, although Lindelöf is no slouch physically, boasting a 6 foot 2 inches frame, there is a chance he could get bullied in encounters against the likes of Andy Carroll and Christian Benteke. He needs to improve the aerial aspects of his game to adjust to the rigors of the Premier League.

There is a reason Jose Mourinho went for Victor Lindelöf. Among the center backs already at United, only Daley Blind is the only one with exemplary ball-playing skills but lacks the physicality to go with it. The likes of Bailly, Marcos Rojo and Phil Jones are more of the typical hard-tackling brutish defenders. It is also the reason Mourinho wants Axel Tuanzebe to play as a right back or holding midfielder – to develop calmness in possession.

Next: Manchester United Sign Victor Lindelof But Who Is He?

With Lindelöf we have added a genuine ball-player with decent physical attributes in tandem. He will add a lot of variation to the defence when paired with a hardman like Bailly. It won’t be too dissimilar to the iconic Nemanja Vidic – Rio Ferdinand partnership of the late 2000s. The complimenting skills of the duo led to arguably United’s best defensive partnership of all time. Hopefully Bailly and Lindelöf can recreate the same magic in the heart of the United defence.