MANCHESTER UNITED DEFENDER Victor Lindelof is losing the trust of Jose Mourinho, according to former United midfielder Owen Hargreaves.
The Sweden international was called upon during United’s Premier League fixture against Huddersfield on Saturday due to Phil Jones being forced off with an injury.
Soon after, the Terriers scored a quickfire double with Lindelof involved in both goals.
Marcus Rashford pulled a goal back for United in the second half but it was not enough to deter the club’s first defeat of the season.
And former United man Hargreaves, who picked up a Premier League title and a Champions League trophy during his four seasons at Old Trafford, believes Lindelof’s difficult start to life in Manchester has seen his manager lose faith.
“He’s really struggled,” Hargreaves told BT Sport. “Obviously at Benfica he played incredibly well in the Champions League, some great performances.
“But we saw him struggle against Real Madrid in the UEFA Super Cup and today he was involved in both goals.
“He was thrust into action when Phil Jones went off injured and he’s come on and really, really struggled.
“For Mourinho you have to earn his trust and I think today he’s lost some of that with his performance.”
Lindelof has made just two substitue appearances in the Premier League since signing for United from Benfica in a £40 million move in the summer.
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Firmino should be in the team of the year never mind alternative team. Been brilliant for Liverpool and I’m by no means a Liverpool fan
@Mel Roberts: Definilty, he’s been fantastic.
Lascelles from Newcastle has been outstanding all season. Would have him in at the back. As has Mee from Burnley.
@David OfBrien: They should do an Alternative Alternative Team of the Season.
@Alan J. McKenna: or maybe look outside of the top 6 clubs for a change. Tarkowski and vardy are the only players selected from clubs outside of the top 6.
@David OfBrien: The best players tend to come from the clubs that, you know, perform the best in the season. And you tend to find those at the top of the table. Sorry if that sounds radical.
@Alan J. McKenna: Not radical, just not very intelligent or well thought out.
Many players have performed outstandingly over the season with teams not at the top level, making their performances even better, compared with the likes of Otamemdi for example.
The top teams might have the best players, but it’s a competition for the players who’ve played the best over the season, and those should be considered.
Nice try though.
@James SonofLochlann: took the words right out of my mouth.
Andy Robertson every day of the week, most improved player and what a bargain!
Valencia in for azpilicueta without any question !
Even though Chelsea had a poor season Kante is better than Matic
No Andy Robertson, Again. Underrated obviously.
Ederson? And your reasoning being nothing to do with conventional goalkeeping.
Easy to look good in terms of clean sheets and goals conceded when your team averages like 75% possession and you face barely any shots. De Gea or Pope have clearly been the best in the league.
@Brian: Pope is great with crosses, in fairness…
Lascelles over Sanchez, bit of a donkey if I’m honest. Not very reassuring at the back.
Agree with the team overall but feel like Kante or Shane Duffy are also some good shouts