Who is Victor Lindelof? Manchester United £31m new signing who has finally moved from Benfica to Old Trafford
MANCHESTER UNITED have finally got their man as Victor Lindelof makes the switch to Old Trafford
The news has been announced on the official Red Devils' website following a pursuit that has lasted at least six months.
Lindelof burst onto the scene with Benfica this year and already has international and Champions League experience under his belt.
Since making his first-team debut 18 months ago, his performances not only caught the attention of the Red Devils, but a host of European super clubs.
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So ahead of his expected arrival at United, here’s five things you should know about the Swede:
He almost became a Boro boy
Just eighteen months ago a big-money move to Old Trafford looked a million miles away.
But he nearly came to within 121 miles of the Theatre of Dreams when he almost joined Middlesbrough.
A deal had been agreed, Boro had booked his flight over, and the defender was set for the north east… Until the move collapsed when Benfica tried to add more clauses at the last-minute.
Born winner
The 22-year-old has a nice habit of winning – exactly the type of quality Mourinho would love to have in his squad.
But more significantly, he has also won three Primeira Ligas with his club and the Under-21s Euros with his country in 2015.
This will have left him even hungrier for more honours.
Versatility
One of the biggest problems Mourinho faced last season was the number of injuries he has suffered defensively.
Phil Jones and Marcos Rojo both performed well, but the United boss knows that is not a long-term fix.
Summer recruit Eric Bailly had a lengthy-spell out injured as did Chris Smalling.
This forced Jose to mix and match with his back four – but Lindelof will have no problem with that.
Although a centre-back by trade, the youngster is also capable of filling in at full-back.
Cold as Ice
Lindelof’s calmness under-pressure has already earned him the nickname of the “Iceman”.
His coolness has helped him to become one of the most sought-after defenders in Europe.
And Jose will be hoping that he can maintain his persona and not freeze on the big stage once his arrival at United is completed.
He comes recommended by another Swedish Old Trafford hero
Zlatan Ibrahimovic became a huge United favourite in his one season at the club.
And the Swedish legend is convinced that Lindelof could make a similar impact in the Premier League.
Talking about his countryman, Ibra said: “I think Victor is doing great things, he is playing good for Benfica, he gets a lot of responsibility for the national team now, he is growing.
“Is he good enough for United? I think he’s good enough for the big clubs out there. It’s up to him what he wants. Whatever he chooses will be good for him.
“I know he is hot on the market so let him make the right choice, what fits him good.”