Victor Lindelof has had a turbulent time since he arrived at Manchester United last year. However, the defender has improved immensely over the last few games – proving that the fans are way too quick to judge new signings.
I have to make a confession.
I was one of the many Manchester United fans who felt that Victor Lindelof was a flop after he signed for the club last year from Benfica for £31m.
In fact, the centre-back was so poor in the 2017-18 Premier League season that I thought he was going to be promptly sold by Jose Mourinho in the following summer transfer window.
Thankfully, he didn’t.
Yes, our defence has been a shambles this season. A negative goal difference after 13 games played is an absolute disgrace for any top club – let alone Manchester United. However, we have started to turn things around over the last few games.
And who’s responsible for our improved form? Victor Lindelof.
The Swede has looked like a man possessed recently. The player that was flinching and being pushed around by players from lesser clubs last season is now keeping the likes of Paulo Dybala and Cristiano Ronaldo quiet this season.
How has Lindelof turned things around all of a sudden? It’s simple – we just gave him time.
Indeed, in an era when fans, managers and boards expect multi-million-pound signings to be world class from minute one, the 24-year-old’s journey at Old Trafford proves that players must be allowed to fail so that they can pick themselves back up and prove that they can turn things around.
Given that £52m signing Fred also has his fair share of doubters, now is as good as time as any to use Lindelof as an example as to why fans should lay off of new signings’ and allow them time to settle in.
Let’s get behind Lindelof, Fred and other new players at the club and maybe, just maybe, Manchester United can turn their season around.