Victor Lindelof has proven Jamie Carragher wrong with his Manchester United improvement

When Lisandro Martinez hit the deck late on during Manchester United's 2-2 draw with Sevilla in April, most feared the very worst.

With Martinez and defensive partner Raphael Varane forming something of a formidable duo for most of the campaign, there was a concern around the replacements.

Victor Lindelof's chances had been largely limited under Erik ten Hag. At 28, the Swede has enjoyed a bumpy ride at Old Trafford, with his aerial ability and defensive persona often called into question.

"I can't criticise Victor Lindelof because it has got to the stage where he is just out of his depth. I actually feel a little bit sorry for him. He should not be playing at this level,'' said Jamie Carragher in 2018, following the Reds' defeat against Spurs.

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Paul Scholes echoed the sentiment three years later after United's Champions League clash with Atalanta, saying: ''I think in the middle of defence, Lindelof especially, they lack authority. He can be bullied, sometimes he’s not strong enough.''

But Lindelof has risen to the occasion in recent weeks, often being among the best performers for United in the run-in. He fully merited his selection in the FA Cup final above club captain Harry Maguire.

While Varane was charged with keeping Erling Haaland quiet, limiting the dangerous Norwegian to very few chances, Lindelof had another positive performance. United's last 10 games with the Swede starting saw the Reds ship just seven goals, keeping an impressive five clean sheets along the way.

Lindelof has proved he can mix it at this level, showing a development from the criticism of Carragher and Scholes. and while Martinez and Varane will