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Victor Lindelof is facing a huge challenge in the coming season, after Manchester United signed Raphael Varane from Real Madrid.

The likeliest outcome, and the widespread assumption, is that the Frenchman will soon partner Harry Maguire in the heart of the club’s back four, leaving Lindelof to be used as cover and a rotation option.

On the national team front, things are going better for the defender, and he’s now been named the new captain of the Swedish national team.

Sebastian Larsson had been captain during the Euro 2020 tournament, but now he and Andreas Granqvist have left the scene, giving the Manchester United player the opportunity to lead his country.

Lindelof is obviously thrilled, and is quoted by Sweden’s Football Association as saying: “It is a very great honour but also a great responsibility. When I was growing up, I dreamed, just like all other young football players, of playing for Sweden. Every time I put on the blue and yellow shirt, I feel an enormous pride. To now be able to represent the country with the band around my arm will be very big for me.”

For the 27-year-old to be at his vert best for his country he’s likely to need to get regular minutes, and will no doubt have informed Ole Gunnar Solskjaer that being a continual benchwarmer isn’t exactly the plan he has for the coming campaign.

Now it’s down to the Manchester United manager to keep his player happy, even if Lindelof is unlikely to be a first choice.

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