Victor Lindelof has been told he can leapfrog Raphael Varane and other Manchester United defenders to become first-choice for Erik ten Hag this season. Lindelof, 28, has started the last two matches alongside Lisandro Martinez, with Varane and Harry Maguire both nursing injuries.
England centre-back Maguire has yet to return from a thigh problem he picked up away on international duty last month. Varane, meanwhile, found himself on the bench against Everton and Omonia Nicosia.
In part, that was owing to Ten Hag wanting to preserve the World Cup winner given his injury record, but stand-in Lindelof has also justified his selection with two solid performances. But what does the Sweden captain provide his manager with that can give him a welcome edge on Varane and Maguire?
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Speaking as part of a promotion for bettingexpert, ex-United player Mikael Silvestre said: "I think Victor, since he joined United, has been consistent, despite having different partners or managers. He's maintained his level overall and passing is one of his [main] qualities.
"His vision, trying to find the interval, break the lines. In terms of challenging the other centre-backs, he's making a case every time he plays."
Silvestre added: "It's good for the team, good for him as well and obviously very good for the manager. I think that he can count on four solid centre-backs, which hasn't been the case for a long time."
Lindelof was signed by Jose Mourinho for €35million from Benfica before the 2017/2018 season. Since then, he has totted-up 201 appearances for the club in all competitions, scoring three goals, although like many teammates has yet to win a trophy during his time at Old Trafford.
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Benfica
Harry Maguire
Mikael Silvestre
Raphael Varane