After eight seasons at Old Trafford, Swedish defender Victor Lindelof is bidding farewell to Manchester United. His contract expires at the end of June 2025, marking the end of a journey filled with both triumphs and challenges. Lindelof's departure, along with those of Jonny Evans and Christian Eriksen, signals a changing of the guard at the club.
Lindelof, who arrived from Benfica in the summer of 2017 for a reported €35 million, made 284 appearances for the Red Devils. During his time in Manchester, he secured two major trophies: the Carabao Cup in 2023 and the FA Cup in 2024. While these achievements represent high points, Lindelof's tenure also saw periods of inconsistency and struggles for a regular starting spot.
Reflecting on his time at United, Lindelof acknowledged the "ups and downs" but expressed immense pride in representing such a prestigious club for eight years. In an interview with MUTV, he described it as "an honour and a privilege, and a dream come true." Despite the challenges, he leaves with fond memories and a strong connection to the club and its supporters.
When asked about his most memorable moment, Lindelof pointed to the 2023/24 FA Cup victory over Manchester City. He described the experience of winning such a historic cup as "amazing." He came on as a late substitute in that match, replacing Alejandro Garnacho. Although former manager Erik ten Hag often preferred Raphael Varane and Lisandro Martinez as his starting centre-backs, Lindelof remained a committed and reliable member of the squad.
Lindelof made his final appearance for Manchester United in May 2025, in a 2-0 win against Aston Villa. He described it as a "perfect ending" to his time at Old Trafford. Despite being limited by injuries last season, he still managed to make 25 appearances across all competitions, demonstrating his resilience and dedication to the team.
Beyond the trophies and memorable moments on the pitch, Lindelof emphasized the importance of the bond he formed with the Manchester United supporters. He spoke of missing the atmosphere at the Stretford End and expressed gratitude for the fans' unwavering support. "They're with us through absolutely everything," he said, "and it doesn't matter the result, every single week, they come here and they support us and they sing their souls out. I just want to say thank you so much for taking me in."
Looking ahead, Lindelof has vowed to remain a Manchester United fan and wishes the club nothing but success in the future. "I'm leaving as a player, but I will always be a fan," he affirmed. "I wish nothing but the best for the guys and everyone around the club. Yeah, hopefully next season will be a little better than this one. I'm very sure it's going to be."
As Lindelof embarks on the next chapter of his career, Manchester United will move forward with a new crop of defenders. With players like Noussair Mazraoui, Leny Yoro, Harry Maguire, Ayden Heaven, Lisandro Martinez, and Luke Shaw, the club appears to have sufficient defensive options to compensate for the Swede's departure. The club also confirmed that Jonny Evans is in advanced talks to become the club's loans manager for emerging talents.
Victor Lindelof's time at Manchester United may have had its share of challenges, but his commitment, professionalism, and genuine affection for the club will undoubtedly leave a lasting impression on players and fans alike.
