Rio casts doubt over future of Man Utd man amid ‘different’ displays

Rio Ferdinand doubts whether Sweden defender Victor Lindelof is good enough to help make Man Utd into a “top, top team”.

Lindelof has come in for a lot of criticism over the past couple of seasons with speculation that the Red Devils are looking to bring in another centre-back as a long-term partner for Harry Maguire.

Despite Eric Bailly signing a contract extension recently, there are persistent reports that Ole Gunnar Solskjaer will look to bring in a centre-back in the summer transfer window.

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Lindelof remains a key figure for his country as he helped Sweden to keep a clean sheet in their 0-0 draw against Spain at Euro 2020 on Monday night.

Despite making 45 appearances for Man Utd this term, doubts remain among the fanbase and pundits about his future at Old Trafford.

Speaking ahead of the Sweden match, Ferdinand told the BBC: “I think his game suits the national game in a lot of ways. The Premier League is very quick and physical.

“This (international football) is more of a thinking-defenders’ game and I think that definitely suits him. He’s someone who likes to read and cover.

“With this team it seems like the main man in that defence and I think he’s warmed to that. That suits him.

“When he plays in a yellow shirt he seems a very different player to the one I see in a Man United shirt.”

When asked whether Lindelof is good enough to play for Man Utd, Ferdinand said: “I just think there’s question marks over his partnership with Maguire.

“Maguire has come in for big money, he’s going to play.

“Does Lindelof compliment him enough for them to be a top, top team? I question that personally.”

After the Red Devils’ 1-1 draw against West Brom back in February, Gary Neville claimed that Lindelof was “mauled” by Mbaye Diagne.

That sparked a passionate defence of Lindelof from Man Utd captain Maguire, he said: “It’s a big frustration. We know the first goal is crucial when you come to this place – but it’s a foul. I’m fed up of hearing ‘Vic can do better’. Of course he can do better, and I know he can.

“I’m fed up of hearing ‘people can do better’. ‘David [de Gea] can do better on the cross’. It’s a foul. It’s a foul from Billy Sharp on David [in the recent Sheffield United game]. If you get someone in the back, and if the big striker’s wrestling Vic and then puts his arms all over him, heads it in the back of the net, of course he can do better, but it’s a foul.”