Victor Lindelof has insisted that he was 'not close' to leaving Manchester United over the summer despite some speculation surrounding his future at Old Trafford.
The Sweden international ended last season in the first XI, but he struggled for starts for the majority of the 2022-23 campaign due to the presence of Raphael Varane and Lisandro Martinez.
There was speculation surrounding Lindelof's future during the summer, but it is understood that Red Devils head coach Erik ten Hag made it clear to the centre-back that he would not be departing ahead of the 2023-24 season.
Rennes were linked with a move for the 29-year-old late in the transfer window, but the defender has said that he was 'never close' to departing Old Trafford.
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"I love Manchester United and I still have a contract. So I can say that my exit this summer wasn't close at all," Lindelof told reporters while speaking on international duty.
The Swede, who only has a contract at Old Trafford until next June, has made three Premier League appearances during the 2023-24 campaign.
Lindelof featured off the bench against Wolverhampton Wanderers and Nottingham Forest due to injuries to Martinez and Varane respectively, before starting against Arsenal last time out.
The defender was forced off in the second half against Arsenal due to illness, but he should be available for his side's next match against Brighton & Hove Albion on September 16, providing that he does not pick up any fresh problems during the international break.
Lindelof also addressed the Jadon Sancho situation, with the attacker's future at Old Trafford unclear due to his public spat with manager Ten Hag following the clash with Arsenal.
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"Sancho? Many things are written about United and it will always be like that. We are a united group. I don't think about it," said Lindelof when asked about the situation.
Ten Hag said that the Englishman was not selected against Arsenal last time out due to some disappointing performances in training in the build-up to the game in North London.
Sancho later hit back on social media, which has created a tense situation between the two individuals.
Al Ettifaq were linked with a move for the former Manchester City youngster in the latter stages of the Saudi Arabia transfer window, but the two clubs could not agree on a deal for the 23-year-old.
Matt Law
