Harry Redknapp does not believe that Manchester United defender Victor Lindelof deserved to be given a new five-year contract by the club.

The Swedish international is now a regular starter alongside Harry Maguire in the middle of United’s defence, and he signed a deal to keep him at Old Trafford until 2024 last week.

However, Redknapp has questioned whether Lindelof is of the same standard as previous centre-backs who have played for the club:

“They’ve just given the centre-half a five-year contract there. I mean no disrespect, he’s not [Nemanja] Vidic, he’s not [Rio] Ferdinand, he’s not Jaap Stam. Suddenly he’s in there for five years, is he going to be the answer for the next five years? I’m not sure.”

The 25-year-old was a regular in a defence that conceded 54 goals last campaign, while the Red Devils have already shipped six in their first six games this season.

It is hoped, though, that Lindelof can build a long-term partnership with Maguire who, despite being just a year older, is seen as the senior centre-back partner following his £80m move from Leicester in the summer.

Despite attempting to rectify the side’s defensive issues, United’s main problem now appears to be at the other end of the pitch with the team struggling to score goals.