Manchester United defender Victor Lindelof could have been forgiven for wanting to go home and hide under his duvet following a torrid start to the season that saw him produce a series of woeful displays.
The centre-back would have probably walked into the front door of the wrong house, tripped and watched on as his neighbour's child nutmegged him with a mini-football, such was the lack of fortune befalling Lindelof at the time.
The performances of the Swedish international were comical at times as he resembled bambi on ice and they were perhaps understandable, particularly off the back of a summer in which United had seemingly tried to sign every defender under the sun in a desperate attempt to replace Lindelof, Chris Smalling and the hapless Eric Bailly.
United failed to sign a single centre-half and, boy, would Jose Mourinho let everyone know about it. He repeatedly slammed Lindelof and co. following a disastrous start to the Premier League campaign. At the time, Mourinho's use of Andre Herrera and Scott McTominay in defence seemed petty, harsh even, but there are signs that Lindelof is beginning to grow into his role in the team.
Maybe the tough love works.
The 24-year-old was superb during the course of United's remarkable comeback win against Juventus in the Champions League on Wednesday night and social media was abuzz with praise for the performance of their rejuvenated defender...
There has been a noticeable change in the tune of United fans in recent weeks as they basked in the reflective glow of three successive 2-1 wins over Everton, Bournemouth and Juventus respectively...
- Lindelof strong, he looks a different player this season.
- Sanchez as a no.9 created positive openings.
- Herrera was fantastic, he'll start against City.
- Martial's footwork 🔥.
- De Gea again, I've ran out of ways to compliment him.
The general consensus was that Lindelof is finally beginning to fulfil his potential as a Manchester United centre-back...
Lindelof at last resembling the defender United hoped they bought. Herrera and Young also refereeing the game very well. [@AdamCrafton_]
Overall Lindelof was exemplary yet again for #MUFC. It’d be harsh to hold the goal against him. Bonucci’s ball & finish from Ronaldo was sensational. Sometimes you just have to hold your hands up in the face of greatness. Technically on a par with RvP’s 2013 volley against Villa."[@JonathanShrager]
Victor Lindelof Has Arrived Ladies & Gentlemen." [@RealIsiah1]
lass first half from Lindelof His haters are being silenced" [@UtdExcellence]
Although others were quick to praise the embattled Jose Mourinho for his ability to seemingly turn water into wine when it comes to his limited defensive options...
How many managers can do that
