Next United captain? Youngster set to take reign in Old Trafford

As per a report from the Manchester Evening News, Victor Lindelof has emerged as a ‘leading candidate’ to replace Antonio Valencia as the Manchester United captain this summer.

Struggles under the bright lights at Old Trafford

Swedish central-defender Lindelof has been plying his trade with United since the summer of 2017, when he made the move to Old Trafford from Portuguese outfit Benfica for a fee with the potential to rise to 45 million Euro.

However, to say that the stopper’s debut campaign in England proved underwhelming would be something of an understatement.

In fact, Lindelof’s first 12 months on United’s books saw many quickly question what the Red Devils had seen in him in the first place.

The 24-year-old looked shaky both in and out of possession, compounded by a seemingly-perpetual lack of confidence.

Lindelof turns things around

However, in a huge testament to Lindelof’s character, the 29-time capped international has since bounced back to emerge as one of United’s finest performers to this point in the current campaign.

He has established himself as one of the first names on the team sheet of Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, as was the case with Jose Mourinho in charge over the opening half of the season.

Victor Lindelof in action during the Carabao Cup Fourth-Round match between Swansea City and Manchester United. (Photo by Stu Forster/Getty Images)

Crucially, the Swede has also added a leadership element to his unquestionable abilities as a defender, a trait which could see Lindelof rewarded come the summer.

Next United captain?

As per the aforementioned report from the Manchester Evening News, United’s star stopper is viewed as a ‘leading candidate’ to take on the captain’s armband for next season.

Antonio Valencia is set to vacate the role of skipper at Old Trafford upon the expiration of his contract in 2 months’ time.

And, amid the uncertainty surrounding the futures of all of Paul Pogba, Ander Herrera and, to an extent, David de Gea, Lindelof is seemingly viewed as a solid option to replace Valencia.

As per MEN’s Richard Fay:

‘Perhaps the biggest argument in favour of ‘The Iceman’ is the fact he embodies everything the club stands for with his professionalism and sheer desire to win.’

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