Erik ten Hag is about to start opinion-splitting player Manchester United were desperate to sell

Victor Lindelof has been a resilient presence at Manchester United since his arrival in 2017, outlasting multiple managerial regimes, including Jose Mourinho, Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, and now Erik ten Hag. However, this season could be his last at Old Trafford. Despite being placed on the transfer list during the summer, an untimely injury disrupted plans for his sale, leaving both the player and club in limbo.

Lindelof, now 30, has had a long and steady career at United but saw his role diminish last season with Harry Maguire’s resurgence. Although his contribution over the years has been valuable, many felt a summer exit would have benefitted both parties. If things had gone as planned, Lindelof could have secured regular first-team football elsewhere while United would have gained a transfer fee.

With January looming, Lindelof will soon be able to negotiate with overseas clubs as his contract winds down. However, recent injuries to key players like Luke Shaw and Tyrell Malacia have seen him back in contention. Last weekend against Aston Villa, he stepped in as a right-back and impressed, reigniting discussions about his place in the team.

Lindelof’s future remains uncertain, but he looks set to start this weekend against Brentford as Erik ten Hag seeks solutions to his defensive injury crisis.
Victor Lindelof’s situation at Manchester United certainly reflects the complexities of squad management and evolving player roles. Despite being transfer-listed, circumstances like injuries to key defenders have brought him back into the fold. His performance against Aston Villa, where he filled in at right-back, suggests that Lindelof remains a valuable option for Erik ten Hag, particularly given the club’s current defensive crisis.

However, with his contract nearing its end, the possibility of a January exit grows, especially if he seeks regular playing time elsewhere. His versatility and experience have served United well, but as the January window approaches, Lindelof could begin exploring options for the next stage of his career while the club assesses its defensive needs.