- The player has struggled for minutes against the backdrop of persistent injury
- Amorim has been open about his desire to reshape United squad this summer
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Victor Lindelof is believed to be eyeing a move away from Manchester United this summer, calling time on his eight-year stint at Old Trafford, according to reports.
The Sweden international first joined the club under then-manager Jose Mourinho in 2017, and made over 270 appearances for the Red Devils with four different head coaches.
But Lindelof’s 2024-25 campaign has been an uneven one, with the defender missed a number of fixtures for both former manager Erik ten Hag and Ruben Amorim due to repeated injury.
Most recently, the 30-year-old was a second-half substitute during Man United’s FA Cup clash with Fulham at home.
Sunday’s match saw Lindelof – along with summer recruit Joshua Zirkzee – one of two players to miss from the spot when the tie went to penalty kicks.
United’s last domestic cup hopes were subsequently snuffed out as the visitors claimed the quarter-final spot on the road.
A Manchester United defender is thought to be eyeing a departure from Old Trafford this year
Victor Lindelof has spent eight years at the Manchester club after signing for them in 2017
The Sweden international is believed to be keen for a move to his former club Benfica (pictured in 2016)
But as per Portuguese outlet Record, Lindelof’s mind may already be set on next season, and his future when his contract expires in June.
Lindelof is reportedly considering a move back to Benfica, the club he left to join Man United eight years ago, and is increasingly keen to book a return to Estadio da Luz in the summer.
Benfica manager Bruno Lage is thought to be set for a centre back shake up at the club this summer, with Nicolas Otamendi’s contract up and plans afoot for the Argentine to return to his home country.
New deals are also up in the air for Tomas Arujo and Antonio Silva, leading a gap in the manager’s plans which could yet be filled by the free agent.
At Old Trafford, Amorim is also considering his own clear out, with the manager making public his plans for a squad overhaul on Friday before the FA Cup tie.
Describing himself as ‘ruthless’ should the situation call for it, Amorim was blunt as he shared that he had been ‘honest’ with players that he feels should move on when the season comes to a close.
‘Everybody understands that in football sometimes you stay, sometimes you have to move on,’ Amorim said. ‘If I know how to explain it, I will do so because I like to be clear.
‘I was a player and like to use that experience – when you are honest with someone, they can take it.
Ruben Amorim has been open about his desire to reshape Man United’s squad for his tactics
‘In the beginning maybe it is hard but they will understand. I’m quite honest with my players and sometimes they know they have to move on at the end of the season.
‘We can talk about that in the end – now there are still a lot of games to play. But that is clear and not a difficult situation.’
Lindelof and Amorim’s players will tilt at their last shot at silverware on Thursday in the first of their two Europa League ties.
Man United will travel to Spain for their first leg against Real Sociedad, before welcoming La Real to Old Trafford on March 13.
