Lindelof’s big challenge may prove Old Trafford turning point

VICTOR Lindelolf admits he knew he had to win the ball when he made his stunning tackle on Brighton forward Anthony Knockaert – a moment that could yet kick-start his United career.

The Sweden international has endured a difficult start at Old Trafford following his £30.7m move from Benfica and has been guilty of a number of high-profile errors, which were ruthlessly punished in the defeat to Huddersfield, in particular, last month.

Jose Mourinho’s belief in Lindelof has not wavered, though, with United having scouted the 23-year-old extensively, long before he put pen to paper on a four-year deal in June.

Lindelof made his first league start in the 4-1 win over Newcastle and despite Marcos Rojo’s remarkable comeback against Basel, the Iceman kept his place in the side for Saturday’s clash with Brighton.

The home crowd was shaken into life by Lindelof’s fullhearted tackle on Brighton forward Knockaert, and the defender clearly gained confidence from the challenge in his best performance yet in a red shirt.

“It think it was a good challenge,” he told MUTV after the 1-0 win.

“It was a 50/50 ball and I just thought I have to win this ball, and I did.

“We are delighted with the clean sheet, we are always trying to do a good defensive job, and trying not to concede goals. We did do that and that was very good for us.”