Manchester United defender Victor Lindelof produced a flawless display in tonight’s 1-0 win against Real Sociedad in San Sebastian.
The 28-year-old came back into the Red Devils starting line-up after missing the 1-0 win against West Ham United through illness.
United’s number two was picked ahead of club captain Harry Maguire to partner Lisandro Martinez by Erik ten Hag.
Sweden’s national captain was making his sixth start of the season and he was again a composed, autorotative and composed presence alongside the aggressive Argentine.
Whenever the former Benfica man has been called on by the former Ajax manager, Lindelof hasn’t let the Dutchman down and he’s slotted in seamlessly.
Getting the nod over the world’s most expensive defender highlights how much Ten Hag values the Swede who is nicknamed the Iceman.
Victor Lindelof produces flawless display against Real Sociedad
With Manchester United needing to win by two goals to top Group E and qualify for the last-16 without having to play a play-off against a third-placed Champions League side, Ten Hag decided to go for broke.
The 52-year-old brought off Lindelof just shy of the hour mark and instead of the centre-back being replaced by fellow defender Maguire, he was replaced by midfielder Scott McTominay and United went to a back three before Maguire was later brought on as a makeshift target man.
But Lindelof finished the match with really impressive stats.
He completed all 30 of his attempted passes as well as having 39 touches.
The composed Swede made one tackle, one interception and six clearances, as well as blocking one shot and winning five duels, as per SofaScore.
Lindelof will hope his flawless performance against the La Liga side sees him rewarded with a Premier League recall against Aston Villa on Sunday.
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