Jose Mourinho has urged patience with new Manchester United defender Victor Lindelof as he adjusts to the Premier League.
The £31 million centre-back has had an underwhelming start to his Old Trafford career following his summer move from Benfica, but Mourinho says the 23-year-old will get the time he needs to settle in.
“It is step by step,” he told a news conference after United’s 3-0 win over Valerenga in Oslo on Sunday. “Benfica is a giant club.
“I always think players come from Benfica mentally ready. They are a big club and the responsibility to play for them makes players ready but the Portuguese league is different, different qualities.”
Lindelof was expected to form United’s regular centre-half pairing with The Wall, Eric Bailly next season.
Mourinho will be without Bailly for the Super Cup clash with Real Madrid in Macedonia on Aug. 8 while he serves the second game of his European ban.
It leaves the United manager with Lindelof, Chris Smalling and Phil Jones as his options at the back.
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