The Red Devils continue to struggle for attacking spark, but a centre-half who has faced plenty of criticism has started to show his value of late
Manchester United’s Player of the Month award has gone to a defender for the third time this season, with Victor Lindelof taking the prize for November.
Luke Shaw’s form at the start of the campaign saw him top supporter polls in August and September.
A welcome return to form for Anthony Martial in October saw his efforts recognised, but normal service has now resumed at Old Trafford.
Jose Mourinho’s side have lacked an attacking spark for much of 2018-19, with familiar struggles holding them back.
Romelu Lukaku has endured fitness issues and bench duty, Marcus Rashford has been unable to nail down a starting berth and Alexis Sanchez is now facing up to a lengthy spell on the sidelines.
With the forwards failing to offer inspiration, and with a goalless draw against Crystal Palace followed by a narrow Champions League win over Young Boys, defenders have taken centre stage.
Lindelof is among those to have impressed of late, with the 24-year-old having overcome a slow start to his time in England to become a regular presence in Mourinho’s plans.
November proved to be a productive month for him as he scored for Sweden in a Nations League win over Russia and was named the Swedish Player of the Year for 2018.
After scooping another gong, he told MUTV: “I just want to say thank you to all the fans who voted for me.
“I really appreciate all your support.
“It’s been a good month for me. I won the award back in Sweden and then the fans have voted for me as the Player of the Month, so it feels great and I’m very happy for the support that I get.
“I think I’ve been performing well. I just try my best to help the team in the best way possible.”
Unfortunately for Lindelof, having found some form, he is now nursing an injury.
He played no part against Young Boys after picking up an untimely knock in a home draw with Palace.
Mourinho has revealed that Lindelof played through the pain in that contest, with a hamstring complaint posing him problems.