Manchester United’s defence looked suspect in the 2-1 loss to Crystal Palace yesterday, and Victor Lindelof’s mistake for the opening goal typified a disappointing display by the home side.
The Swedish international failed to deal with a long ball as he lost out to Jeffrey Schlupp in the air, leading to Jordan Ayew scoring for the Eagles in the first half.
Supporters on Twitter were not impressed by Lindelof or United’s defence in general:
I’ve said multiple times Lindelof is decent he’s just overrated
— ً (@ftblaaron) 25 August 2019
Lindelof has been our weakest link, smh
— Treeeshya (@ampofo_patricia) 24 August 2019
Jonesy would have defended better than Lindelof yesterday.
— Gavin Thorpe (@GavinThorpe5) 25 August 2019
Unpopular Opinion:
Lindelof isn't as good of a defender as most fans claim he is. Refrained myself from saying this much earlier bcos he's comfortable on the ball(modern football requires it). @ManUtd— Deeps (@deepan_welsh11) 25 August 2019
Lindelof had a bad game but I wouldn't drop him just yet. It's just 1 mistake. Plus tuanzebe is just as weak in the air. I would change lingard for the next match tho. Maybe play Fred and keep gomes on the bench for 2nd half. Don't want 2 much pressure on him still young
— Shershah Pervez (@SherShahpz) 25 August 2019
The idea of Maguire and Lindelof always made me uncomfortable. Both CBs you want on the cover for a more aggressive CB. You’d need a very good combative DM in front of them for it to work
— Burgundy Hood (@AliquamScripto) 25 August 2019
lindelof needs to eat more protein or somethin man he should have won that header
— shaz (@luvisragetwo) 25 August 2019
Would like to see Lindelof and Lingard dropped for Southampton game
— ryan (@ManIikekendrick) 25 August 2019
Lindelof can't lose that header, what's he there for if he's not dealing with that. #MOTD
— Dale Williams (@DaleWil13207175) 25 August 2019
Lindelof got smashed. I’d prefer to see Axel in there.
— Paul Whitelam (@paul800m) 25 August 2019
Centre-back partnerships do take time to gel, and there is a case to be made that Harry Maguire should have been closer to Lindelof in order to sweep up. Still, it must be said, centre-halves must win their aerial duels against opponents.
It was a poor piece of defending which manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer will be hoping is not repeated in the future. With David De Gea at fault for Patrick van Aanholt’s winning goal, individual mistakes cost United dearly yesterday and they will want to rebound with a win against Southampton next weekend.
