Manchester United might not have been completely impressive in yesterday’s 1-1 draw with Arsenal, but there were some signs of promise for manager Ruben Amorim – one of which, according to United legend Paul Parker, was the performance of Victor Lindelof.
Lindelof made his 272nd appearance for United yesterday, but just his 13th of a campaign that’s been interrupted through injury – and with the Swedish international expected to leave due to the expiration of his contract this summer, his involvement in the first team has not been expected.
In fact, Harry Maguire and Jonny Evans were even often preferred in front of him – but with an injury crisis ruling the pair out, and Amorim’s insistence on playing a back three, it meant an opportunity for the defender to start yesterday.
And he did well, impressing to keep Arsenal’s attack largely at bay, even though he came under some criticism for Declan Rice’s equaliser.
On this morning’s Talking Devils podcast, United legend Paul Parker was quick to pay tribute to the performance of Lindelof. “Victor Lindelof might have been the most accomplished player in the three yesterday,” Parker said.T”he way he stepped out, he was in complete control. Can I pass it – no? Can I keep going – yes? He keeps going. We have players who step out and if they can’t come out, they go backwards, they won’t run into the space. It seemed like Lindelof led De Ligt. De Ligt looked more comfortable.
“If you’re going to play someone in the middle, they have to have some sort of variatin in what they do. They don’t have to be Franz Beckenbauer. The shorter passes are 9 times out of 10 the better one. He led a good line, and sometimes you have to sit deep. He controlled it.”
Parker explained that Lindelof’s specific capabilities enabled the defence to play a more consistent line and this in turn helped the positions of the rest of the team.
“You saw the team with Casemiro and Eriksen and people thought about the last time they played together and it wasn’t good,” Parker said. “People said their legs are gone. Nobody is saying that today – I was worried about them chasing around. But because of the way United defended, those players knew there was a spare man, and that’s what Lindelof did well yesterday.”
Parker backed Lindelof to retain his place on Thursday for the important Europa League game with Real Sociedad.
To watch the podcast, click here or listen on any podcast provider.