Manchester United’s Victor Lindelof only gave the doubters more ammunition after a silly handball gifted Holland the opener against Sweden.
As any Manchester United fan will tell you, the Nemanja Vidic who dominated Old Trafford was a different beast to the nervy, error-prone youngster who arrived at Old Trafford like a rabbit in the headlines in January 2006.
Adapting to a new league, a new culture and a new language takes time. Though ‘time’ is not something pundits, papers and even a number of fans seem willing to afford to Victor Lindelof.
The centre-back arrived at United with a big reputation and an even bigger price-tag in the summer, costing £35 million from Benfica (The Mail), but has barely been seen since.
And on the few occasions Lindelof has been given a chance to shine, he has only reinforced the view that Jose Mourinho has bought a dud. The 23-year-old even looked a little out of his depth against Burton Albion in the EFL Cup.
A horrific mistake in Sweden’s World Cup qualifying defeat to Holland on Tuesday, therefore, does Lindelof no favours. The most expensive defender in United’s history gifted The Dutch the opener from the penalty spot after slicing a clearance onto his own arm.
Arjen Robben converted the penalty and Holland eventually sealed a 2-0 win. Fortunately, Sweden’s place in the World Cup play-offs had already been assured.
Though United fans should keep the faith. The progression of Vidic gives them hope.
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