Victor Lindelof will leave Manchester United as a free agent this summerVictor Lindelof will leave Manchester United as a free agent this summer
Victor Lindelof will leave Manchester United as a free agent this summer | Manchester United via Getty Images
The Man Utd veteran is expected to leave the club at the end of the season after falling down the pecking order.
Victor Lindelof admits he has found it 'extremely difficult' to have experienced restricted playing time at Manchester United this season. The 30-year-old has been limited to just 14 appearances across all competitions, with only six competitive starts.
Just two of those starts have come in the Premier League as a combination of injury issues and a changing of the guard have seen him slip down the pecking order. Lindelof played the entirety of United's win over Leicester before the international break and could gain more minutes in the coming weeks with Ayden Heaven, Harry Maguire and Leny Yoro all injured.
It is unlikely to be enough to earn the Swede a new contract, though, with Lindelof expected to depart the club when his current deal expires at the end of the campaign. He will look back fondly on his time at Old Trafford but is focused on regular playing time at his next club.
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An 'extremely difficult' season
Speaking at a pre-match press conference ahead of Sweden's clash with Northern Ireland on Tuesday night, Victor Lindelof was quizzed on his final season with Manchester United and reports linking him with a return to former club Benfica.
“It has been extremely difficult, I am used to playing a lot of matches," he told reporters. "Not being able to do it continuously has been tough. It takes a toll on the psyche to do all the rehab, which is not very fun.
“I don’t just have myself to think about anymore. It’s a decision we have to make as a family. Of course, I always try to think about football and what’s best for me. But it also goes hand in hand. What I think will be good is usually good for the family. I’m making the decision with my wife too. Right now, we’re keeping our thoughts within the family. I feel that I still have a high level in me. The idea is that I want to play at the highest level.”
When quizzed on a possible return to former club Benfica, he added: “Benfica is a club that means a lot to me. They shaped me into the player I am today. I don’t know what will happen and what my decision will be. But it is a club that I like."
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