Lindelof a 'perfect' fit for United, says Blomqvist

Zlatan Ibrahimovic is in scintillating form right now – scoring Premier League goals with relative ease – and ex-Manchester United man Jesper Blomqvist believes another Swedish sensation would be ideal for the club.

He goes by the name of Victor Lindelof.

Since emerging as a potential transfer target for Jose Mourinho back in November and getting the backing of the current Swedish Red Devil, Benfica defender Lindelof has Blomqvist singing his praises too.

“I was watching the November match between Sweden and France on TV and caught a glimpse of Jose Mourinho in the stand and my first thought was that it could only be Victor Lindelof he was looking at,” Blomqvist told the Manchester Evening News’ Stuart Mathieson.

“My second thought was what a great signing that would be for the player and for Manchester United. It would be perfect.”

Blomqvist believes Lindelof has the potential to evolve into a world-class central defender.

“He’s quick, confident with the ball, likes to play, and is very strong. For United fans, I think the best comparisons would be with Rio Ferdinand and Ronny Johnsen,” Blomqvist said.

“I’m not saying he is at their level yet, but he is very capable of getting there.”

Before signing Ibrahimovic in the summer of 2016, Henrik Larsson was the last Swedish player to grace the gates of Old Trafford. He played for one season in 2007, only getting 13 appearances.

Lindelof, 22, joined Benfica from Swedish hometown side Vasteras SK when he was only 17. Since breaking into the first team in summer 2015, he’s made just over 50 appearances for Benfica and represented his country on 11 occasions, including four World Cup qualifiers.

“He’s a mature player and a mature person,” Blomqvist said. “One thing I do like about him is that he hasn’t gone an easy route in his career. …

“I think making the decision to go to Portugal at that age and making a success of it and then doing what he did for the (Sweden) U21s shows the character of the player.”

Lindelof was a shining light for Sweden at the Under-21 European Championship in 2015, being named into the team of the tournament. He scored the winning penalty to secure a shootout victory against Portugal in the final.

“Obviously, a move to Manchester United is a different level again. Not every Swede is Zlatan Ibrahimovic! But you get the feeling that Victor would handle it OK,” Blomqvist said.