Lindelof’s Manchester United Exit: How Benfica Could Benefit from His Return | OneFootball

Victor Lindelof’s Departure from Manchester United: What’s Next for the Swedish Defender?

Victor Lindelof’s time at Manchester United is drawing to a close, with the Sweden international set to leave Old Trafford in the summer after an eight-year stint with the club. Having arrived from Benfica in 2017 for £31m, Lindelof has contributed significantly to United’s defensive efforts, but his future now lies away from the Premier League giants.

Lindelof’s Career at Manchester United

During his time at Manchester United, Lindelof became an integral part of the defensive unit, making almost 300 appearances and winning two major trophies—the FA Cup and EFL Cup. However, this season has been a different story for the 30-year-old. With more competition for places and injury setbacks, Lindelof’s playing time has been limited. Despite his solid performances over the years, he now finds himself lower down the pecking order under Ruben Amorim.

Lindelof is currently behind Matthijs de Ligt, Harry Maguire, Leny Yoro, and the injured Lisandro Martinez in the defensive ranks, making him the fifth-choice central defender. With his contract running down and no longer a regular starter, it has become clear that a move away from Manchester United is imminent.

Photo: IMAGO

Benfica’s Interest in Lindelof’s Return

Lindelof’s next destination seems to be set. According to The Times, he has expressed a desire to return to Benfica, the club where he spent several successful seasons before his move to Manchester. Lindelof won three league titles during his time in Portugal, and it appears he still has a strong connection to the club, often visiting Lisbon during his breaks.

According to Record, Benfica are reportedly open to the idea of re-signing Lindelof, especially with the impending departure of 37-year-old Nicolas Otamendi, who is set to return to Argentina. The Portuguese side’s interest in bringing Lindelof back could provide a fresh start for the defender and an opportunity to reclaim his place in the starting XI.

Manchester United’s Summer Transition

While Lindelof’s departure is a certainty, it signals just one of the changes Manchester United will undergo this summer. Ruben Amorim, who took charge of the club mid-season, is likely to make further adjustments to the squad, trimming excess players and bringing in fresh talent to improve the team. Christian Eriksen and Jonny Evans, whose contracts also expire this summer, are expected to leave the club.

One area where United could strengthen is the attack, with offers for Marcus Rashford likely if he continues to impress on loan at Aston Villa. Additionally, Antony, who has been performing well at Real Betis, could attract attention from other clubs. However, Amorim’s focus will primarily be on fortifying the squad with players who fit his vision for the future.

Ruben Amorim’s United Tenure and Expectations

United’s current form under Amorim has raised questions about the manager’s future and his ability to meet the club’s lofty expectations. With the club still far from competing for the Premier League title, former United star Wayne Rooney suggested that Amorim will need time to make his mark. Rooney, speaking on BBC One, noted, “It’s very difficult to come in during the season and have no pre-season, but he has to look to the future and moving forward.”

Photo IMAGO

United’s recent struggles, including their FA Cup exit after a penalty shootout loss to Fulham, highlight the challenges Amorim faces in turning the team’s fortunes around. While his task is undeniably difficult, his ability to build a competitive team remains under close scrutiny.

Conclusion

As Victor Lindelof prepares to leave Manchester United, his move back to Benfica seems imminent. The Swedish defender’s departure is part of a broader transformation at United, where Ruben Amorim is tasked with rebuilding a team that is still far from challenging for top honours. While Lindelof’s future may be secure in Lisbon, United’s pursuit of consistency and success under Amorim will shape their plans moving forward.

Our View – EPL Index Analysis

For Manchester United fans, the news of Victor Lindelof’s impending departure is somewhat bittersweet. Lindelof has been a reliable servant for the club since joining in 2017. While not always the most glamorous name in the squad, his consistency and solid performances often went unnoticed. However, with the rise of players like Lisandro Martinez and the arrival of high-profile defenders like Harry Maguire, it was inevitable that Lindelof’s time as a regular starter would dwindle.

What’s concerning for us, though, is the broader picture. Lindelof’s exit is just one of many changes happening at the club under Ruben Amorim. United’s struggles this season reflect a larger issue: inconsistency. With the club sitting far off its competitive best, and Amorim facing pressure to deliver a substantial turnaround, the team is at a crossroads. Lindelof’s departure is not just a loss of depth at the back, but it marks a deeper issue within the squad: too many players underperforming and not living up to expectations.

There is also a sense of frustration that, despite Amorim’s arrival, the club has not been able to push forward as many of us had hoped. The addition of new players should be a priority, but so should the development of existing talent. Let’s hope the changes under Amorim lead to a stronger, more cohesive squad and that Lindelof’s departure will signal the start of a new chapter at Old Trafford.