Lindelof targets Europa League glory

Our Swedish centre-back joined manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer for the pre-match press conference ahead of Thursday evening’s quarter-final.

Lindelof joined United in the summer of 2017 just after United had won the 2016/17 Europa League, and our solid defender is keen to win the trophy himself.

The former Benfica man expects a tough game against La Liga side Granada in our first quarter-final leg in Spain, but is positive that the Reds can put on a display securing an advantage going into the return leg at Old Trafford next week. 

"Obviously, we go into this game with the mentality to win it and to go through," he told reporters.

"It’s a game where we want to go there and perform, we know it’s going to be a tough game. First and foremost, win the game so we can get a good result for the second leg."

During Ole’s reign as permanent United boss, the Reds have made it to four semi-finals but the final step of reaching a final has so far proved elusive. Victor says he and the rest of the squad are determined to change that record in this season's Europa League.

"Obviously, every time you play in a competition, you play it because you want to win it," the defender said.

"We haven’t quite been able to do that in the past but hopefully we can perform a bit better this season."

Our no. 2 was also asked about his defensive partners during Wednesday’s press conference. In particular, he was asked about the goalkeepers and if it makes a difference for him whether it’s David De Gea and Dean Henderson between the sticks for the Reds.

"I feel very comfortable with both of them," Victor emphasised.

"I think every time they’ve played, they’ve performed at a very high level. We have great goalkeepers and I think that’s always good for a team, that you have that competition."

The 26-year-old admits he has been experiencing some issues with his back this season but the Sweden international says he feels fine ahead of Thursday’s encounter.

"I’ve been having some problems with my back but I feel much better than I did before."

Lindelof's fellow centre-back Harry Maguire played his 100th game for United  in our 2-1 win over Brighton & Hove Albion on Easter Sunday. The England international has been Victor's most frequent partner since our captain made the move from Leicester City in the summer of 2019, and it's clear that the Swede enjoys the partnership. 

"We've been playing a lot of games together and the more you play together, the more you get to know each other as well," said Victor, when asked about Harry.

"I think we’ve been performing well, and keeping some good clean sheets as well against strong trams. I also feel like I'm performing well at the moment. I feel fine, I feel fresh and I’m just happy that I’m able to play and help the team."