United Briefing: Lindelof explains back injury

The Swede has been playing with a persistent problem throughout the term and Ole Gunnar Solskjaer explained after our draw with Crystal Palace on Wednesday that the injury has once again flared up.

But speaking to club media, Victor is hopeful the issue won’t keep him out of this Sunday’s Manchester derby.

“Of course. It’s a big game, everyone wants to play in those games,” the centre-back said. “Yeah I’ve been struggling a bit with my back. I’ve been having it for the last couple of months.

“I missed a few games as well and I am just trying to manage it in a good way. I missed a few games and I came back slowly. I played one game and then I got to rest again, it felt a bit better.

“It started to come back a little bit but I’m just trying to manage it in a good way, do the recovery right and then treatment. [I'm] just trying to manage it in a good way.”

While Victor never wants to play with pain, our no.2 admits he’s happy dealing with a bit of discomfort if it means the Reds can come away with a win.

“I have been having these issues for the last couple of months but I’m still out there because I want to be playing, to help my team win games,” he said.

“That’s the most important thing for me. If I’m sore for a few days after it or in a bit of discomfort, that’s not a problem if the team wins. That’s the most important thing and I just want to be out there to help the team.”

Lindelof has played a significant role in a United defence that has kept three clean sheets in a row and conceded just once in the last five outings. However, the 26-year-old was keen to highlight it’s a team effort and not just the back five who stop the opposition scoring.

“Yeah, obviously as a defender you want to help the team get clean sheets – that’s always the main objective that we have,” the former Benfica man added.

“If you look at the positive things, that’s one good thing for us to keep clean sheets and not concede goals. That’s the main objective for us defenders and the keepers.

“But also as a team, as a whole unit, everyone from the defenders, midfielders and strikers, everyone has been involved and [is] doing a great job with that. I’m very pleased with the way we have been doing that.”

Luke Shaw has been a huge part of that backline which has impressed lately, and Lindelof feels our February Player of the Month has stood out on the front foot, as well as defensively.

“It [Shaw’s form] has been great. I think he has shown all of his qualities and the type of player he is, both defensively and offensively.

“He’s a great player defensively, but also with the ball, when he gets a run with the ball and with his late runs. It’s a joy to have him in the team and I am very happy for him.”

WHAT IS HAPPENING TODAY?

We’re counting down to the 185th Manchester derby and our content plan is absolutely brimming with must-see material.

At 12:30 GMT we’ll hear from the boss in his pre-match press conference. He may give an update on the availability of David De Gea, Donny van de Beek and Anthony Martial, and offer his views on what to expect from Pep Guardiola’s side.

The aforementioned Shaw has also spoken to club media and we’ll bring you his pre-match thoughts later today, as well as asking you to choose your favourite win at the Etihad Stadium – keep an eye out for that one!

WHAT HAPPENED YESTERDAY?

It was with great sorrow that we learned of the passing of former United player Phil Chisnall, who has died at the age of 78.

Elsewhere, it was announced that the Women’s FA Cup will resume later this month, with United to start in the fourth round against one of one of Burnley, Fylde, Sunderland or Sheffield FC, depending on who triumphs from their second and third-round ties.

We also reflected on the 0-0 draw at Crystal Palace and the impact that has on our excellent away run in the Premier League, while Ole provided an update on our players from ‘red-list’ countries, and whether they’ll meet up with their national sides later this month.