Manchester United defender Victor Lindelof's three-word promise after World Cup play-off agony

Manchester United defender Victor Lindelof has sent a message of apology to Sweden fans after the country failed to qualify for the 2022 World Cup.

The United centre-back played the full 90 minutes in Sweden's World Cup play-off match but couldn’t guide his country to Qatar following a 2-0 defeat to Poland on Tuesday. Sweden had a relatively successful 2018 tournament in Russia, reaching the quarter-finals before bowing out to England.

Lindelof was hoping to guide his nation to a second successive World Cup for the first time since the 2006 finals. But the loss means they have now failed to qualify for three of the last four World Cups.

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The loss also ended United attacker Anthony Elanga’s dreams of going to December’s World Cup. Lindelof took to Instagram on Thursday to send a message to Sweden’s fans following the disappointing result.

He wrote: “Thank you Sweden for your amazing support. Sorry we couldn’t finish the job." He then promised supporters: "We’ll be back.”

Lindelof has featured in 20 Premier League games for United this season, 18 of which he has started. His attention will now turn to United's pursuit of a place in the top four, with the visit of Leicester next up for Ralf Rangnick's men.

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