Fulham delivered another setback to Manchester United’s turbulent 2024-25 season, eliminating the Red Devils from the FA Cup Round of 16 in a penalty shootout. In the aftermath of the defeat, Benfica is reportedly pursuing one of the players involved in United’s elimination.
With new manager Ruben Amorim already working on reshaping United’s squad, several signings and departures are expected in the summer transfer window. Among the players set to leave is Victor Lindelof, who may have already found a potential destination.
According to The Times, Lindelof is one of Benfica’s top transfer targets ahead of the next season. The Swedish center-back’s contract with Manchester United expires in June, and with no renewal in sight, the Portuguese club is looking to capitalize on the opportunity to bring him back.
Lindelof played a role in United’s FA Cup exit, coming on as a substitute in the 53rd minute for Leny Yoro. With the match still level in extra time, he stepped up to take United’s fourth penalty in the shootout, but his effort was comfortably saved by Bernd Leno, sealing United’s elimination.
Portuguese outlet Record reports that Benfica president Rui Costa is highly interested in securing Lindelof’s return, especially with Nicolas Otamendi’s future uncertain beyond this season. If finalized, the move would mark a homecoming for Lindelof, who spent five years at Benfica before joining Manchester United in 2017.
Amorim addresses potential departures
Since taking charge in November, Amorim has been tasked with revamping a squad that has struggled for consistency in recent years. Looking ahead to the next season, the Portuguese coach addressed the possibility of squad changes:
“We can talk about that at the end of the season. We have a lot of games to play. But that is clear, and I think that is not a difficult situation because everybody understands that in soccer; sometimes you stay, sometimes you have to move on,” Amorim said in a press conference before the Fulham match.
The coach also confirmed that he has already spoken to the players expected to leave: “When you are honest with someone, they can take it. In the beginning, it is hard, but they will understand. So I’m quite honest with my players and they already know that sometimes they have to move on at the end of the season.”
