Man Utd player decides he wants to return to former club at the end of this season no matter what happens

One of Manchester United's longest serving players feels 'the time is right' to leave Old Trafford as he continues to struggle for first-team minutes under Ruben Amorim.

It has been a season to forget at Old Trafford. As well as being knocked out of the Carabao Cup and FA Cup, they currently sit 14th in the Premier League table having picked up just nine wins from a possible 27.

Amorim himself has never shied away from admitting their struggles and ahead of their Europa League last 16 clash against Real Sociedad, he delivered a telling statement about the summer transfer window.

Speaking to the media, he admitted that players will have to leave Old Trafford at the end of this season in a squad overhaul. "We can talk about that [departures] at the end [of the season]," he said.

"We have a lot of games to play. But that is clear, and I think that is not a difficult situation because everybody understands that in football; sometimes you stay, sometimes you have to move on."

Amorim added: "When you are honest with someone, they can take it. In the beginning, it is hard, but they will understand. So I'm quite honest with my players and they already know that sometimes they have to move on at the end of the season."

With that in mind, it appears centre-back Victor Lindelof could be one of the first players to leave United this summer.

The Swede has played just two minutes in the league since Amorim took charge in November and with his contract expiring at the end of the season, it appears his time at Old Trafford is coming to an end.

Portuguese outlet Record claim Lindelof is keen on making a return to Benfica, eight years after he left the Primeira Liga side for Manchester.

The report goes on to state that the experienced defender visits Portugal on a regular basis and feels the time is right for him to make a much-anticipated return to the Estadio da Luz

The Times claim Benfica have placed Lindelof high on their shortlist of targets for the summer, although talks are not yet at an advanced stage.

Lindelof is reportedly keen on a move this summer. Image credit: Getty

United, meanwhile, could sign a centre-back in the summer given Lisandro Martinez's struggles with injury. Thoughts on the future of Lindelof? Let us know in the comments .