Erik ten Hag is reportedly pushing to keep Victor Lindelof at Manchester United after rejecting approaches in January.
According to Fabrizio Romano via Caught Offside, Erik ten Hag could keep Victor Lindelof at Manchester United. The Dutch manager wants the Swedish international in his squad, but the player’s position could change if his status in the team does not improve.
Erik ten Hag’s arrival has changed the course of how Manchester United play after some critical changes to their style and personnel. One of the key decisions was dropping Harry Maguire from the starting lineup, which proved to be transformative.
In Raphael Varane and Lisandro Martinez, Ten Hag has found the right combination for his central defence. When he wanted to tweak his personnel in games, the manager preferred to use Luke Shaw at the back. Those decisions have pushed Maguire and Victor Lindelof further below in the pecking order.
As things stand, Maguire could leave in the summer, but finding a buyer for Lindelof will prove easier, considering all factors. The England international had suitors, but there were doubts about Manchester United’s demands.
Meanwhile, Ten Hag reportedly blocked an approach from Inter Milan for Lindelof. Atletico Madrid were also seemingly keen on the 28-year-old in January. They turned their attention towards Caglar Soyuncu once the Swedish centre-back became unachievable.
While the 28-year-old might depart in the summer, Fabrizio Romano insists Ten Hag will push to keep him at the club. He said, “Atletico Madrid asked for Victor Lindelof in January but then they decided to proceed with Caglar Soyuncu deal; Inter are on different targets now.”
“I’m sure Erik ten Hag is happy with Lindelof and will try to keep the player as he did in January. I’m not sure Man United will let him leave, in January it was a big “no”.”
Lindelof also has interest from Sevilla and Roma. Both clubs could seek central defensive reinforcements next summer. The player may consider all options, including remaining at the club. He might need guarantees regarding playing time, as he has only managed 20 appearances in all competitions this season.
Ten Hag may see value in keeping a player who knows the club and possibly phase away from him. Manchester United remains linked with Jurrien Timber, who could become the 28-year-old’s replacement. Lindelof, however, has not had a bad season personally, and over the years, he has been a steady presence at the back.
Ten Hag will play a crucial role in determining Lindelof’s immediate future. The 28-year-old has a contract until 2024 with a club option of another year. Much will depend on the manager’s plans with his backline, but the defender will have plenty of options if he becomes available in the summer.