Victor Lindelof's comments in a recent press conference have led some Manchester United fans to believe that he will leave Old Trafford in the not-so-distant future.
The 28-year-old defender has made over 200 appearances for the club since his £31 million move from Benfica in 2017.
He was a first-team regular under both Jose Mourinho and his successor Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, and featured in 35 games in all competitions last season.
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But the Swede has slipped down the pecking order at Old Trafford following the arrival of Lisandro Martinez.
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In fact, Lindelof has made just five Premier League starts under Erik ten Hag during the 2022/23 campaign; a lack of game time that has understandably caused concern.
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Speaking at a press conference while on international duty with Sweden this week, the centre-back made his feelings known.
"Of course, like every player, you want to play every game and obviously I haven't done that this season," he said.
"But like I always say when I come here [to play for Sweden], it's a pleasure to be here and I'm always happy to represent my country.
"I'm really looking forward to the games that we have and I spoke to Janne [Andersson, Sweden manager] before to say that I was really looking forward to coming here and to perform, and to be on the pitch with the guys again."
He added: "Like I said, I want to play, that's why I play football. I want to play games, but I haven't thought about that [potential transfer], right now I'm just focusing on the national team and then of course, the rest of the season with the club.
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"Then in the summer we'll re-evaluate and see what is best."
Although his aerial ability has been questioned over the years, the experienced defender rarely puts a foot wrong when he gets minutes in a United shirt.
Ultimately though, the outstanding centre-back partnership of Raphael Varane and Lisandro Martinez has restricted both Lindelof and Harry Maguire to first-team starts of late.
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Lindelof's comments in his press conference has sparked plenty of comment from Manchester United fans on social media.
One said: "He might not be on Martinez or Varane level but he's definitely not a bench player. He can play weekly in many clubs," while a second wrote: "Would hate to see him leave, it’s so unfortunate that his career at United wasn’t the best due to not having the right CB partnership… genuinely rate the guy."
A third wrote: "Lindelof is actually a decent player, too good to be on the bench. Would be sad to see him go but it's probably best for him."
A fourth added: "He's definitely gone."
Lindelof's current deal at Old Trafford will expire in 2024. Do you think he deserves more game time?
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Let us know in the comments.
Topics: Victor Lindelof, Manchester United, Sweden, Premier League, Transfers
Jack Kenmare