By Dave Marshall
It is fair to say that Sweden international, Victor Lindelof, has not enjoyed the best of times in the colours of Manchester United since his big-money move from Benfica in May.
The centre-back wobbled and fumbled against LA Galaxy and also committed a glaring error in the penalty shootout win over Real Madrid, as he gave away a penalty that bordered on reckless and amateurish display.
Against Barcelona, he struggled yet again, and going into next season, where it was expected that he will form an impressive central defensive partnership with Eric Bailly. Popular social media platform, Twitter had its fill of criticisms labelled at the young defender.
He looked short on confidence, as though he would rather be somewhere else than facing the world’s best trio. He also struggled to find a rhythm with his centre back partner, Chris Smalling, in a performance that will worry Jose Mourinho. He had a fear of tackling, preferring to stay back instead of going into challenges, and United fans were not impressed at all on Twitter. Below are some of the best tweets about his performances.
My high hopes for lindelof subsided a bit. I do understand it's preseason, but he had 5 matches. Even Jones looks better ??♂️
— United (@emil3m) July 27, 2017
Stop this, man. Surely now, Smalling has to stay bcos Lindelof who was bought to replace him supposedly looks like bambi on ice. https://t.co/P7qNhYBjVG
— ConvolutedKepler186f (@Utibe_26) July 27, 2017
We must admit it that Lindelof is not a new Vidic.
— ⚽ ALEX HUNTER ⚽ (@MUTD010) July 27, 2017
@joethomlinson what is your impression of lindelof so far. Im slightly disappointed with him
— Jono12 (@jonotasker12) July 27, 2017
yep Lindelof just looks like a kid taken to Disney world for the first time every game he plays
— Terry (@LvgsWonkyNose) July 27, 2017
Most likely. Lindelof's performance against Barca was dreadful. Think he's too green yet. But I can't make up my mind between him and Jones?
— JMG (@TopFootball8) July 27, 2017
Jose Mourinho: "You'll find out in the next couple of days why I've been playing Lindelof and Smalling together." pic.twitter.com/MDfegZVpKo
— Adam Joseph (@AdamJosephSport) July 27, 2017
That lindelof looks woeful. Nowhere near premier league standard.
Fucked up the arse again by that transfer fee
— Sports Bet (@5betstoagrand) July 27, 2017
Victor Lindelof was so late with that tackle yesterday that It's a good job he wasn't waiting for the last bus home.
— Gary Thompson (@gary302) July 24, 2017
Lindelof is a classy centre back who is gaining a burgeoning reputation in Europe as one of the continents best young defenders but is struggling at United ahead of the new season. He must rediscover himself or risk being labelled as a flop.
He is known for his unflappable defending, calmness and aerial threat but, against Barcelona, showed nothing of those attributes that convinced the Old Trafford hierarchy to splash the cash on his services, if the tweets above are anything to go by.
Remember, when Gary Pallister joined United, he made a few horrendous takes in the beginning. However, he turned out fine in the end. He could carry the ball out of defence and create counter attacks.
Please Mou try to re-sign Angel di maria