It is an open secret that Manchester United are heading into their most important summer since Sir Alex Ferguson retired, and there will be many departures.
Victor Lindelof stands near the top of that list of departures, alongside the likes of Christian Eriksen, and potentially Casemiro, and more.
Lindelof has been thrust into a prominent role in recent weeks due to an injury crisis in defence but the long-term picture is clear.
His future is not at Old Trafford, but if he looks back to last season, he will know that he has already been given the dream exit formula provided he fights for it.
Photo by Stuart MacFarlane/Arsenal FC via Getty Images
Photo by Stuart MacFarlane/Arsenal FC via Getty Images
Victor Lindelof’s dream Man Utd exit
For all his faults and criticisms of his style of play, Lindelof has been a good servant to Man United in years that have seen remarkable upheaval.
From being an arrival in Jose Mourinho’s transfer window to surviving under multiple managers since, the Swede has been a picture of resilience.
However, Ruben Amorim is clearly moving toward a different profile of player and with his expiring contract, his departure is straightforward.
The circumstances are quite similar to what another defender saw last season, with Raphael Varane’s contract coming to an end at United.
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However, Varane saw his dream exit come to fruition when he forced his way back into Erik ten Hag’s plans, with his last game alongside his best partner, Lisandro Martinez, in a famous victory over Manchester City in the FA Cup final.
A fit Lindelof doesn’t carry the same gravitas as a fit Varane, however, and therein lies Lindelof’s fight to earn himself a dream exit.
Lindelof’s fight for place at Old Trafford
Lindelof hasn’t been the most preferred centre-back under any manager at United but he’s been a reliable backup for all of them.
To earn himself a dream exit, with United still in the Europa League this season, he needs to fight for his place and force his way into Amorim’s plans.
The current injury crisis provides the best opportunity for him to do so, although it has been slightly complicated by Ayden Heaven shining in limited minutes right away.
The Swede can definitely provide value as one of the wider centre-backs but he neither has Leny Yoro’s recovery pace nor does he have Matthijs de Ligt’s physicality.
“A jack of all trades, master of none” defender is more difficult to accommodate in a back three formation, which requires specialist roles.
That’s the fight Lindelof faces at United. He can replicate Varane’s journey and end on a high by winning the Europa League final as a starter.
It doesn’t look likely right now, but he’s still got time.