Manchester United: Rio Ferdinand ‘questions’ whether Victor Lindelof is good enough for a ‘top team’

Rio Ferdinand has claimed Victor Lindelof is more suited to international football and ‘questions’ whether the Manchester United defender is good enough to play for a ‘top, top team’. 

The 26-year-old kicks off his Euro 2020 campaign with Sweden against Spain on Monday evening and is a key figure for his country, but was unconvincing at times for Manchester United last season.

United are thought to be searching for another defender to partner Harry Maguire in defence next season, and Ferdinand suggested the current pair’s partnership hasn’t convinced enough to be the preferred option moving forward.

When asked about Lindelof ahead of Spain vs Sweden, Ferdinand told the BBC: ‘I think his game suits the national game in a lot of ways. The Premier League is very quick and physical.

‘This (international football) is more of a thinking-defenders’ game and I think that definitely suits him. He’s someone who likes to read and cover. 

‘With this team it seems like the main man in that defence and I think he’s warmed to that. That suits him. 

‘When he plays in a yellow shirt he seems a very different player to the one I see in a Man United shirt.’ 

Lindelof started 45 times for United last season and was manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s preferred partner to captain Maguire when both were fit as they finished a respectable second place in the Premier League.

Despite this, question marks remain with United linked with moves for host of centre-backs this summer. 

When asked by presenter Gary Lineker on whether he is good enough to play for United, Ferdinand responded: ‘I just think there’s question marks over his partnership with Maguire. Maguire has come in for big money, he’s going to play. 

‘Does Lindelof compliment him enough for them to be a top, top team? I question that personally.’