'Exhausted' Lindelof available for Man Utd despite trauma of Brussels attack

Monday's attack in Brussels was carried out by an Islamist gunman who was subsequently killed by police. The match went ahead as scheduled before being abandoned at the request of the two teams at half-time with the score at 1-1. European football's governing body UEFA on Thursday said the game would not be replayed and the points would be shared.

Sweden captain Lindelof expressed his horror and offered his condolences to the victims of the attack earlier this week. "I'm shocked and devastated by the terrible incidents in Brussels with the cold-hearted attacks on our fellow Swedes," Lindelof wrote on X, formerly known as Twitter.

Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag told reporters on Friday that despite his ordeal, Lindelof "has energy" and is available to face Sheffield United on Saturday. "A terrible situation, and I feel really sad for the victims, for all the relatives, family, friends of the victims in Brussels," he said. "It's a crazy world.

"Of course Victor, they had a problem, it's a bad experience. He was the captain of the Swedish team, so he had to stay in front and give statements. But he dealt well with it. Of course he's exhausted after this experience because also he didn't sleep overnight. He returned, yesterday he was back in training, he dealt with the situation."

Ten Hag swerved questions over potential investment into the club by British billionaire Jim Ratcliffe. The founder of chemicals giant INEOS is reportedly looking to purchase a 25 percent stake. "I'm not involved in this," he said. "Others in the club are dealing with this.

"I am focusing on my team, I'm focusing on the coming block (of games), and I am focusing on the most important priority, the next game. It's all about that." United are 10th in the Premier League table after four wins and four defeats, ahead of their match against bottom-placed Sheffield United.

 

October 20, 2023