Victor Lindelof Chokes Mikel Merino and Then Pushes Him Into De Ligt Minutes Later

Football is no stranger to heated moments, and Manchester United defender Victor Lindelof made sure to leave his mark—quite literally—on Arsenal’s Mikel Merino in a fiery encounter. Right from the opening minutes, Lindelof set an aggressive tone, engaging in a highly controversial clash that has sparked debates among fans and pundits alike.

The first incident saw Lindelof wrap his hands around Merino’s neck in what many are calling an outright choke. The Spanish midfielder, known for his composure, was left stunned as he struggled to maintain his footing. Referee Anthony Taylor, however, dismissed any major concerns, instructing Merino to get back on his feet instead of penalizing the Swede. It was a moment that raised eyebrows, with some questioning the level of officiating in such high-stakes matches.

But Lindelof wasn’t done. Just minutes later, he took his physical play to another level, forcefully pushing Merino into his own teammate, Matthijs de Ligt. The impact was brutal—both players ended up on the ground, requiring a moment to recover from the collision. The intensity of the challenge left fans wondering whether Lindelof had a personal vendetta or if he was simply playing on the edge to disrupt Arsenal’s rhythm.

Reactions to the incident have been divided. Some Manchester United supporters defended Lindelof, suggesting that physicality is part of the game and that Arsenal players should toughen up. Others, including neutrals and Arsenal fans, were furious, arguing that the challenge was reckless and could have resulted in serious injuries. “Does Lindelof want to injure Mikel Merino at any cost?” was the question on everyone’s mind.

This wasn’t the only dramatic moment of the match. Manchester United’s goalkeeper, André Onana, was also spotted sharing a warm moment with his former Ajax teammate, Jurrien Timber, before kick-off. The clash itself was a spectacle of intensity, fouls, and near-misses, keeping fans at the edge of their seats throughout.

Such incidents highlight the fine line between aggression and outright dangerous play. While some see Lindelof’s actions as a clever attempt to unsettle Arsenal’s midfield, others argue that they crossed the boundary of fair competition. With the Premier League known for its physicality, debates over what constitutes excessive force are never-ending.

Regardless of which side of the argument fans fall on, one thing is clear—this fiery showdown will be remembered for its controversy just as much as its footballing action. As the season progresses, it remains to be seen whether the authorities will take a closer look at such incidents or if Lindelof will continue to play with this level of intensity without repercussions.