Victor Lindelof omitted ex-Manchester United team-mate Cristiano Ronaldo from his 'perfect player' composite – but included Lionel Messi.
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Ronaldo left off Lindelof's 'perfect player' compositeMessi & Fellaini make the cutLindelof played alongside Ronaldo at Man UtdWHAT HAPPENED?
As a part of Manchester United's 'My Perfect Player' series, the Sweden international had to select players who would make up his dream footballer on the basis of one of their special abilities. He made two lists, one exclusively for United players and one for overall, with much-maligned ex-Red Devils midfielder Marouane Fellaini even managing to make the final cut over Ronaldo.
AdvertisementGetty ImagesTHE BIGGER PICTURE
In the composite for United players, Lindelof went with: Bruno Fernandes (Right foot), Luke Shaw (Left foot), Harry Maguire (Heading), Marcus Rashford (Pace), Aaron Wan-Bissaka (Tackling), Anthony Martial (Finishing), Casemiro (Strength), Marcus Rashford (Skills), Christian Eriksen (Vision), Raphael Varane (Mentality), Scott McTominay (Stamina).
The overall composite, on the other hand, featured the following players: Andrea Pirlo (Right foot), Lionel Messi (Left foot), Marouane Fellaini (Heading), Kylian Mbappe (Pace), Paolo Maldini (Tackling), Robin van Persie Strength (Finishing), Zlatan Ibrahimovic (Strength), Eden Hazard (Skills) and Zlatan Ibrahimovic (Mentality).
DID YOU KNOW?
Lindelof overlooked Ronaldo despite playing alongside the Portugal international throughout the 2021-22 season at Old Trafford. United eventually cut ties with Ronaldo last November after he took part in a controversial interview with Piers Morgan. Lindelof's contract with the Red Devils expires in 2024 but he has a 12-month extension clause in his deal.
Getty ImagesWHAT NEXT FOR VICTOR LINDELOF?
There has been talk of Lindelof attracting interest from elsewhere, with Serie A giants AC Milan said to be one of his many suitors. However, the Swede has been a mainstay in Erik ten Hag's lineup in the absence of key first-team defenders such as Lisandro Martinez this season. He has appeared in 11 out of the club's 12 Premier League matches and contributed with a goal and an assist. Lindelof will be in line for another start when United face Everton on Sunday.