Lindelof named Swedish Player of the Year

Manchester United defender Victor Lindelof was named Swedish Player of the Year for 2018 at an awards ceremony in Stockholm.

The 24-year-old received the prestigious 'Guldbollen' trophy for the first time, after further establishing himself at Old Trafford and shining at the World Cup finals in Russia.

Lindelof has started 10 of the Reds' 12 Premier League games so far this season, and came second in the fans' vote for the October Player of the Month award - behind only Anthony Martial, who has now scored in five consecutive league matches.

“It means very much for me to receive this prize,” United's no.2 told the guests at the gala, which was also attended by former United striker Zlatan Ibrahimovic, who clinched the award for 10 consecutive years between 2007-2016.

“I am extremely proud and grateful,” Lindelof continued. “I want to thank all my team-mates in my club and national team, but also my family, who have always been there for me in wet and dry. You really mean everything to me.

”I would also like to thank my beautiful wife, who is always there, helping and supporting me.“

Victor succeeds his centre-back partner at national level, Andreas Granqvist, as the holder of the Guldbollen, with whom he helped Sweden to the last 16 of the World Cup in Russia. Despite being drawn in a group with 2014 winners Germany and enterprising Mexico, Lindelof and co finished top of Group F, before losing to an England side featuring Jesse Lingard and Marcus Rashford.

The morning after receiving his award, Lindelof took to Twitter to write: “To the 12-year-old me. You didn't dream too big...”

Lindelof now joins up with his international colleagues to travel to Turkey, who they meet in Konya on Saturday afternoon.