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United manager Jose Mourinho has backed defender Victor Lindelof to
make the step up to the Premier League, but admitted he needs time.
The 23-year-old centre-back is expected to join Eric Bailly as the Red Devils' regular defensive combination after completing his £31 million move from Benfica, but Mourinho is looking to ease him in slowly as he adjusts to the new league.
"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," Mourinho told the press, according to ESPN.
"Benfica is one of the dominant teams, so he is used to playing with the ball rather than without it.
"He needs his time to develop. We are going to give him time. Such a young player needs time.
"Manchester United is a huge club, huge responsibility, [and the] Premier League is the same. Let's give him time but happy with what he is doing step by step."
