Manchester United defender Victor Lindelof embrace the challenge for starting spots after Raphael Varane’s arrival

Manchester United finished second in the Premier League last season behind champions Manchester City. The Red Devils desperately needed to fortify their defence and that’s what they did by signing in former Real Madrid centre back Raphael Varane. The Frenchman has instantly lifted the spirits at Old Trafford as even Viktor Lindelof has embraced the situation gracefully accepting the competition for places in the starting XI.

At the moment it looks like Varane is one of the most vital players in Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s plans. But Sweden inter Lindelof should not be disheartened as he looks to fight back to regain a spot in the team. The French World Cup winner made his debut against the Wolves and delivered a defensive masterclass playing alongside club skipper Harry Maguire. Varane showed great maturity and understanding. He was even seen guiding Aaron Wan-Bisakka during the match that proves his leadership qualities as a player.

The Swedish centre back joined Manchester United in 2017 from Portuguese outfit SL Benfica. Since then, he has gone on to make 163 appearances for the Red Devils and was a starter in defence ahead of Varane’s arrival. Speaking about the Frenchman’s arrival at Old Trafford Lindelof told FotbollDireckt, “It’s great, I play in one of the world’s biggest clubs and they have very good players.

“We will have a competitive situation and I only see it as positive that we have got a good player in the squad.”

The 27-year-old has delivered some great performances for Manchester while playing alongside Maguire in defence. However, off late he has struggled with a persistent back problem. He assures that his back is again in place as he rested himself well for the current season.

“I have played a lot the last two years and last year I had big problems with my back and played with pain. My back feels good now, there will probably be no problems, but I do not think I will play 50, 60 matches.”

Apart from Varane, Manchester United have also signed players like Jadon Sancho from Borussia Dortmund and Cristiano Ronaldo from Juventus.  Ronaldo’s return has created a huge buzz among fans as the Portugal international is set to feature in their next Premier League match against Newcastle United. Solskjaer men have started the season with two wins and a draw from the first three league matches and will look to carry on with the same momentum.