Manchester United striker Cristiano Ronaldo scored a hat-trick last night.
But the biggest news of the night where United were concerned came with Victor Lindelof’s showing for Sweden.
United are relying on Lindelof to lead the defence with Harry Maguire out with injury and Raphael Varane suffering an injury for France.
Lindelof played all 90 minutes for Sweden last night in a 2-0 win over Greece.
Back as captain
Lindelof missed Sweden’s match at the weekend as he stayed behind in Manchester for the birth of his child.
He returned to action for his country last night as captain, leaving United nervous over whether he would come through unscathed.
Fortunately, like Eric Bailly a day earlier for Ivory Coast, Lindelof came through the 90 minutes without incident.
Lindelof and Bailly are expected to line up at centre-back for Manchester United away at Leicester at the weekend.
United star Lindelof had a relatively easy night against a Greece side which beat Sweden the last time the two sides met last month.
Sweden eased to a 2-0 win through goals from Emil Forsberg and Alexander Isak.
Lindelof did not need to make a single tackle or interception, winning three aerial battles. Greece hit the woodwork with one effort but Sweden were largely untroubled.
Leadership skills needed
Lindelof is Sweden’s captain and Manchester United will need him to show his leadership skills at the weekend.
With Varane out and Maguire likely missing too, Lindelof will be leaned on as United’s key defender.
Eric Bailly will also need to step up, but as a player who was a regular last season and has played seven games in all competitions at club level this season, Lindelof is viewed as the more dependable centre-back of the two.
Leicester always pose a threat when Jamie Vardy is up front and Lindelof will have to defend well.
But first thing’s first. Lindelof needs to be available. His successful outing for Sweden last night showed he will be ready.
Lindelof told the club website in August that his long-standing back injury has cleared up. United need him to be 100 per cent this weekend.
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