Exclusive: Lindelof isn't interested in pain or praise

The Swedish centre-back is a mainstay of the Reds' defence under Ole Gunnar Solskjaer and has started the last nine Premier League matches, in a season that is demanding so much from the squad.

Lindelof openly admits he has been struggling with a back injury but is determined to keep playing in an effort to help the team achieve success. He is struggling with pain, make no mistake, yet he is pleased by his recent performances and is working hard to remain available at all times.

“I think I’ve been performing well,” Victor explains in United Review, which you can now buy as a digital version.

“It was strange at the beginning of the season because we only had 10 days off and the body and the mind were a bit tired, but after that, me, and also the team, have been performing much better – I’m pleased with that. The results have also got better with time. I’ve been struggling a little bit with my back in the last couple of months but I’m always trying to do my best to help the team on the pitch and, overall, I think it’s been all right.”

Asked if he is playing through pain, Lindelof continues: “I want to help this team win trophies – that’s why I play football. If the team needs me, I’m going to do my best to be there and try to perform at the highest level. Even if I have some pain, I still want to go out there and do my best. 

“I’ve been having a lot of pain and I still have problems with it. I’m in every day trying to sort it out but the schedule is very, very tight so I’m just trying to keep it under control. It’s been difficult, particularly after games, but I’m trying to be as smart as possible with it when I’m playing, when I’m doing my recovery and having treatment.”

When told that some United fans believe he does not get enough credit, Lindelof shows his modesty and admits he concentrated only on performance – both as an individual and as a team.

“I’m just focused on the most important thing which is getting the result for the team,” he says. “Regarding credit and stuff, that’s not important to me, I just want to help the team, and as long as my team-mates and the coaches trust me, that’s the best thing for me, it’s always been that. 

“I don’t really think about anything else. Like I said before I just try to go out there, do my best and hopefully I can help make my team-mates better as well.”

As for the match against Leeds and our historic rivalry with the Elland Road club, Lindelof is excited for the game and is confident of earning three points against Marcelo Bielsa’s side.

“Derbies are always special. One team might be on a good run and the other team might not be playing as well, but it’s a completely different situation when you go into a derby match. It’s the very small details that can make the difference. Emotionally you need to be in control of how you want to perform and the way you want to play because it’s very, very small margins that can decide things.”

“They’re a strong team and they have been performing well against some of the really, really good teams. So we know it’s going to be a tough game against them but I think if we go into the game with the right mentality and do the things that the coaches want us to do, I think we can perform some good football and get a good result.”

You can read the full interview with Victor in United Review. The digital programme is available now from manutd.com/digitalur.