MANCHESTER UNITED’s injury woes have deepened thanks to Victor Lindelof.
The Red Devils are already in the midst of a defensive crisis thanks to injuries to Luke Shaw, Tyrell Malacia and newboy Leny Yoro.
Erik ten Hag is currently managing a defensive crisis[/caption] Victor Lindelof is the latest Red Devil in the treatment room[/caption] Lindelof’s wife, Maja, posted a video of him hobbling on crutches[/caption] Victor and Maja have been married for five years[/caption]But Lindelof’s name has been added to the list of the walking wounded at Old Trafford.
The centre-back’s wife, Maja Nilsson, shared a video of her crocked hubby using crutches on her Instagram story.
Her caption emblazoned across the image read: “Doing everything in slow motion these days.”
United have yet to give any indication as to what injury Lindelof is suffering from.
The Sweden defender was, however, blighted by hamstring and groin injuries last season – in which he missed 22 matches for club and country.
Lindelof’s injury has somewhat been offset by the summer arrivals of Matthijs de Ligt and Noussair Mazraoui.
United kicked off the new Premier League season on Friday night with a 1-0 win over Fulham.
An 87th-minute winner from £36.5million signing Joshua Zirkzee got the Red Devils up and running for the season.
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Man Utd ratings vs Fulham as new boys shine... but Mount and Amad struggle
DEBUTANT Joshua Zirkzee was the hero for Manchester United in an evening where their new guns showed what they are all about.
The Dutchman had to remain patient for his opportunity but he took it brilliantly once he came on the pitch.
Zirkzee came on for Mason Mount on the hour mark and had been quiet up until his pivotal moment.
Ten Hag will take positives from the display and it was his astute sub which led to the winner as his side got their season off to a flyer.
Here is how SunSport’s Phil Thomas rated the Red Devils display…
Andre Onana – 6
Made an outstanding early tip over from Kenny Tete and was rarely seriously troubled beyond that.
Noussair Mazraoui – 7
A pretty impressive debut from the Moroccan. Looks assured on the ball, gets forward in support and can put a foot in.
Harry Maguire – 7
Dominant and commanding in defence, but embarrassingly booked for diving at the other end. Really Harry, even you?
Lisandro Martinez – 6
Skinned by Adama Traore early. Showed all his defensive guile in how he handled him after that, and got back superbly to deny a breakaway goal.
Diogo Dalot – 6
Had his hands full dealing with Traore’s pace, but knocked in a couple of wicked curling crosses at the other end.
Casemiro – 7
Headed over then shot over, but two great passes put Fernandes clean through. Often looked United’s most likely source of a goal.
Kobbie Mainoo – 8
So crisp, so tidy, so rarely wastes a pass. Another near-flawless, if not exactly flair-packed, display from the youngster. Fizzed a shot just wide, too.
Mason Mount – 5
So desperate to do well, which earned him an early booking. Only Leno’s legs denied him the goal his effort deserved.
Amad Diallo – 5
Made one marvellous mazy run into the box, although the tumble to ground that followed wasn’t so impressive.
Marcus Rashford – 6
Still nowhere near the star of two years ago, but another step in the right direction at least. Some way to get yet, though.
Bruno Fernandes – 7
Fluffed two great chances, driving at keeper Leno’s legs twice when Casemiro put him through, but sprayed passes around and started the move for the winner.
Subs
Alejandro Garnacho (for Diallo, 60mins) – 6
Put a spark in United when he came off the bench and teed up the winner.
Joshua Zirkzee (for Mount, 60 mins) – 7
The debut he dreamed of. Barely had a touch, but then fed the ball wide and stuck out his left foot to jab the winner.
Matthijs de Ligt – (for Mazraoui, 81 mins) – 5
Was only on for the last ten minutes and looked solid although he did not have too much to do
Jonny Evans (for Maguire, 81 mins) – 5
Scott McTominay (for Mainoo, 84 mins) – 5
Manager Erik ten Hag said: “It’s just [the] first game. But it’s good to strengthen the belief, confidence in the team.
“But it’s not only the win but also the performance that’s OK.
“And, I have seen many spaces where we can, and where we have to, improve.
“But that’s normal, first game of the season.”