Lindelof: Signing for Man Utd was an easy decision

Victor Lindelof says it was an easy decision to join Manchester United after completing his “dream” £40 million move from Benfica on Wednesday.

The Swedish centre-back joins the Red Devils on a deal worth an initial £30.9m, and he has admitted that while he enjoyed his time in Portugal he didn’t think twice about taking the chance to join up with Jose Mourinho’s side.

United sign £40m Lindelof

“I was in Benfica for five years so for me to leave of course it was not a tough decision but a hard decision because I was happy there and I developed a lot as a player,” Lindelof told MUTV. “But when this opportunity came it was very easy to take it.

“It feels great, and I’m very, very happy to be here at this great club. I couldn’t be happier.”

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10 Oct 202612:30

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The 22-year-old added that the chance to work with Mourinho himself was also a huge attraction.

“It feels great knowing that the coach wants you, so to finally be here makes me very happy,” he continued.

“I’ve spoken to him, and it was a good chat. It’s very important for me as well to hear what he has to say. Of course he’s a great coach, and for me to be able to work with him it’s a great opportunity for me.”

Lindelof has 12 caps for Sweden, and has gained a reputation at both club and international level for his assurance at the back.

“I think I’m quite a calm player, I like to have the ball at my feet. I think I’m quite good at reading the game and I think I give the players in front of me a sense of calm, they know I’m back there and I try to protect them as good as I can.”

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While he is expected to form a centre-back partnership with Eric Bailly, his versatility has also been a selling point to United.

However, he insists that he believes the heart of defence to be his natural domain.

Lindelof a statement signing

“My position is a centre-back, but I’ve played right-back before and I started my footballing career as a midfielder. But I see myself as a central defender, I feel most comfortable there.

“There are some great players here in my position, but I’m here to do my best and try to help the team as good as I can. It’s always good to have other good players around you because when you have that you get better as well.

“I always had a dream to come here and to play in the Premier League, so it’s a dream come true. Everywhere you go you have to adapt to a new environment, but I feel comfortable in myself and I trust myself.

“Of course United is one of the biggest clubs in the world and you always want to win titles, so it’s also my goal that I want to come here and win titles. I think that’s the goal of the club and the other players as well.”