Raphael Varane’s injury during Manchester United’s draw with Chelsea came as a real blow. Fortunately the club are blessed with strong defensive depth.
Current back-ups Victor Lindelof and Harry Maguire are two international players who would be good enough to start for both clubs.
And for much of Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s reign, in which United finished second in 2020/21, Lindelof and Varane were the club’s first choice strikers.
It says a lot about the raised standards at the club and constant desire to improve that both players are third and fourth choice, behind Lisandro Martinez and Raphael Varane.
Now with Varane out, one of the two will get a chance to step in and partner Martinez. At present, it’s ‘advantage Lindelof.’
Victor Lindelof has the edge
Harry Maguire’s injury on duty for England saw Lindelof bumped up the pecking order and he has taken his opportunity.
Having played just one game prior to the break, Lindelof has since played in five matches, three as a starter.
He came off the bench to replace Varane at Stamford Bridge and currently has the edge over Maguire, who is on his way back from injury.
After returning to individual training last week, Maguire was back in team training on Tuesday. Whether he is fit to start against Sheriff Tiraspol already is another matter.
Ideally, United would play both Maguire and Lindelof. This is because not only does Lisandro Martinez needs a rest – but he is one yellow card away from a suspension which would rule him out of the final match with Real Sociedad.
But one way or another, Lindelof looks certain to start, he has earned the chance for now, to be considered ahead of Maguire in the pecking order, and has no concerns over his fitness.
With matches upcoming domestically against West Ham, Aston Villa and Fulham, Lindelof will have a role to play, and it won’t end there.
Key role upcoming
Lindelof is the only Manchester United centre-back who will not be going to the World Cup, after Sweden failed to qualify for the tournament.
This positions the 28-year-old as an almost certain starter for when United’s Premier League campaign resumes on December 27.
His partner will be determined by how far Argentina, France and England progress at Qatar 2022.
In the case of Varane, United will tread particularly carefully, considering his injury, even if he plays a big role at the World Cup.
Lindelof stayed quiet and patient at the start of the season, and this is now set to pay off. United are fortunate to have a ‘back-up’ defender with his quality.
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