Get the biggest United stories, analysis and transfer window updates delivered straight to your inbox Subscribe Thank you for subscribing We have more newsletters Show me See our privacy notice Invalid Email

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer described taking the Manchester United job as a dream come true, but his to-do list ahead of the summer is one which might give sleepless nights instead.

Not only does the Norwegian coach need a strong end to the season, but he also needs to oversee a massive squad overhaul of which players to keep and which are surplus to requirements. Oh, and there's also the small matter of selecting a new permanent club captain.

Antonio Valencia's calamitous reign as captain will come to an end when he departs the club at the end of the season, and United's new era off the pitch needs to be marked with a new start on it, too.

Solskjaer isn't exactly spoilt for choice when it comes to who should occupy the armband, but recent transfer dealings might have made his decision just that bit easier.

Ander Herrera was rightfully many supporters first-choice but doubt has been recently cast over his future. Likewise there is Paul Pogba, arguably the most talented player at the club but not one to shy away from controversy, something his recent Real Madrid comments emphasise.

David de Gea would be the sentimental choice given his popularity and perhaps giving him the armband could prove to be a sweetener in any contract extension talks. Yet there remains questions on whether the world-class keeper truly has the leadership qualities to galvanise the team and issue an emphatic rallying call when required.

By default it seems like the Norwegian coach is then left with two options. Ashley Young has been a stellar servant to the club, but you can't help but feel Solskjaer would be opening himself up to a lot of criticism by awarding the captaincy to a player whom many fans don't envisage in their regular first-team plans next season.

So that leaves us with Victor Lindelof, a remarkable prospect after he was written off so early on into his Old Trafford career.

(Image: Richard Heathcote/Getty Images)

Many critics had questioned what on earth the club had seen in him after a turbulent start to life in England, but it is testament to him that he overcame such turmoil and is now part of United's long-term plans.

The Swede still has two-years remaining on his current deal, with the option of a further year if triggered. That of course is without any potential extension, something which is not out of the question given the manner of his impressive second season in English football.

But perhaps the biggest argument in favour of 'The Iceman' is the fact he embodies everything the club stands for with his professionalism and sheer desire to win.

Lindelof has also represented the club excellently, straying away from controversy and letting his football do most of the talking. Ahead of the momentous victory away at Paris Saint-Germain in the Champions League it was Lindelof who accompanied Solskjaer at the pre-match press conference, his presence further evidence of the trust his manager has in him.

There is also the key Scandinavian advantage which the former Benfica centre-back possess, being able to communicate with his manager in English, Norwegian and Swedish.

"I speak to him in Swedish and he speaks in Norwegian back to me," he told the club website earlier in the year. "It’s nice to speak a bit of Swedish. They’re quite similar. It’s just how you pronounce words. Some words are different, but it’s not a problem. I understand everything he says. The same’s with him.”

While the nature of their communication is simply down to logistics it also highlights the strength of their relationship and the strong bond between the pair. Importantly for Solskjaer, Lindelof is not only a key asset to the team, but he is a key spokesperson within the first-team dressing room.

It would be cynical to merely suggest Lindelof deserves such an accolade just for his own loyalties to Solskjaer though. The 24-year-old is also a seasoned international who warrants respect from his teammates and has already proven any of his doubters wrong in wins at Juventus and PSG.

Perhaps the most convincing leadership display was within the manner in which he helped steady the ship against the odds against Liverpool earlier in the year, and guided United to a valuable goalless draw despite being ravaged by injuries.

Solskjaer will have a huge decision to make at the end of the season as he looks to restore the pride and history behind armband. But with the future of a number of candidates still to be decided, Lindelof has emerged as the leading candidate to become the next captain.