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| The partnership of Eric Bailly & Victor Lindelof could be the next Rio Ferdinand & Nemanja Vidic. |
On Wednesday night, Manchester United confirmed the signing of Victor Lindelof from Benfica for a reported fee of £31m.
The 22-year-old centre‑back became Jose Mourinho’s first new acquisition for the upcoming season and what a signing it could prove to be. He’s been a long-time target for Manchester United and is expected to make his way straight into the starting line-up.
The Swedish international led Benfica to a title-winning campaign in Portugal and guided his former employers to the Round of 16 in the UEFA Champions League last season, where they were knocked out by Borussia Dortmund.
Lindelof produced one of the best games in his career as Benfica shut out Dortmund in the first leg to win 1-0. The way he coped against African Player of the Year, Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, showed that he has the potential to be one of Europe’s best defenders.
His impressive displays have seen the young Swede being compared to Manchester United legend, Nemanja Vidic. Alongside Ivorian international, Eric Bailly, it could remind Red Devils fans of the glory days when Vidic partnered Rio Ferdinand in the heart of United’s defence.
Bailly showed towards the end of last season that he is much more versatile than what many expected. The 23-year-old, who made 35 starts in all competitions for United, operated as a full-back when called upon and could have notched up with a goal or two to his name had it not been for some poor finishing.
Mourinho was heavily criticized for United’s performances last season, but defensively, they always looked to be among the league’s best. Should they keep David De Gea, who is a wanted man by Real Madrid, the Red Devils could be one of the toughest teams to break down in Europe.
Given the fact that Lindelof and Bailly are only 22 and 23 years old respectively, the future for United’s defence seem to be in great hands.
Written by Jesse Nagel