‘He’s very strong’ – Manchester United star Victor Lindelof admits he has to be ‘smart’ as he prepares to face former Red Devils team-mate
Victor Lindelof has spoken highly of his former Manchester United team-mate Romelu Lukaku. The two will face off on Friday, March 24 when Belgium host Sweden in a EURO 2024 qualifier.
Manchester United signed Lindelof and Lukaku in the 2017 summer window after battling stiff competition. While Lukaku later left for Inter Milan and then moved to Chelsea, the defender remained at Old Trafford.
Speaking ahead of Friday’s clash, Lindelof said Lukaku is a smart player and uses his body in the right way. He said:
“He’s a very good player. First of all, it’s a physical profile. He’s very strong and knows how to use his body well in the right way. He’s also fast when he goes deep. It’s important for us defenders to be smart, not to let it hold you back and twist and turn.
“You have to be smart and maybe let him take a first touch but then be there and not give him too much time. It’s also important to keep him out of the box as much as possible because he’s a player. very strong.”
The future of the former Manchester United star hangs in the balance
Romelu Lukaku faces an uncertain future this summer as Inter Milan and Chelsea are yet to hold talks. The report suggests the Serie A outfit are unwilling to keep the striker while the Blues are now also confident of keeping the striker next season.
However, Inter Milan CEO Giuseppe Marotta previously hinted he was confident the forward would return to form:
“We know Romelu loves Inter, he loves the club. We can feel that. He’s motivated to do great things, he’s working to get back in shape as soon as possible.”
While Inter and Chelsea are unsure of Lukaku, Aldo Serena has backed the Belgian to be Victor Osimhen’s perfect replacement at Napoli. He tweeted:
“If I were Spalletti and couldn’t refuse a massive offer from an English club, I would ask Spalletti if he would be interested in replacing Osimhen with Lukaku. If Inter didn’t want to keep him anymore, I think this could be the perfect place for him to relaunch.”
Osimhen has been linked with a move away with Manchester United and Chelsea showing interest in the striker.
