Manchester United bolstered their defensive depth during the current transfer window with the arrival of Diogo Valot, but they are not done yet. The Red Devils are still open to bring a centre-back in the upcoming weeks. However, Jose Mourinho could be close to lose one of his CBs in the coming weeks. Earlier this week, it was reported that Juventus are interested in signing Victor Lindelöf.
The Sweden international didn’t have his best season with Manchester United last term. He struggled to settle in the Premier League and started only 13 matches, but he seemed to play better as the campaign progressed. Still, he was a step below the likes of Eric Bailly, Chris Smalling and Phil Jones, so he couldn’t a role as big as he would have liked. However, that has not stopped Juventus in trying to sign him. The Serie A giants want to bolster their depth in case Daniele Rugani leaves the side, and Lindelöf is at the top of the team’s wish list.
United signed Lindelöf last summer for a £30 million fee from Benfica, but Juventus have been scouting the Swede since he was with the Portuguese outfit. Therefore, Juventus might make an approach in the coming weeks. But there is one big question that Manchester United need to answer. Do they really need to part ways with the Swedish international?
If you would have asked this during January, most fans would have said “yes”. But we can’t deny the fact that Lindelöf improved his play as the season went on. After an initial six-month adjustment period, he grew more comfortable in his role, and a consistent spike on his playing time also boosted his confidence. That was noticeable in the World Cup since he was one of the best players for Sweden during the tournament. If anything, he is trending in the right direction.
The potential is there for him.. so we should wait for him
Plus, we mustn’t forget that Lindelöf just turned 24 years old only a few days ago. How many 24-year-old (or younger) centre-backs are starting in the Premier League’s top-six clubs? Just four: Aymeric Laporte, Andreas Christensen, John Stones, and Davinson Sanchez. We could make an argument regarding Stones and Laporte is decidedly better, but Lindelöf is either on a similar level or better than both Christensen and Sanchez. Yet, in United he is only the fourth-best centre-back. That speaks volumes of the depth in the squad, but also in the fact that he’s only a prospect. He needs a bit more time to get even more comfortable at the Premier League and with everything that entails on a move from Portugal to England.
Sure, the sole idea of cashing in on a player that is not a starter sounds… interesting, to say the least. But if Manchester United want to maintain the course of its long-term project, then they shouldn’t sell Lindelöf. Not before giving them every single chance to succeed, especially considering how young he is.
PLEASE TRY ANOTHER FIELD.FOOTBALL IS NOT YOUR STRONG POINT.IF THIS FOOTBALLER IS UTD MATERIAL I THINK I SHOULD TRY AS WELL EVEN THOUGH I AM 60 AND 147 KILOS.
There are only two CDs at United that I would consider moving elsewhere – Jones and Rojos. Both certainly put in a good days effort and you have to respect that but both are inclined to make, not just mistakes, but blunders. United and all teams who want to be at the top simply have to avoid blunders, especially from players who do it repeatedly.