Manchester United Manager Jose Mourinho is often in the limelight for his relationship with the players on the team in the past. In recent comments, he admits punishing Swede defender Victor Lindelof but expects him to develop this season.
The 24-year old central defender is often criticised for his performance in his debut season at Old-Trafford and has only 17-appearances for the club after his 30 million euros switch from Benfica.
Jose was determined to sign experienced centre-back in the summer transfer window but the United board ruled out the option to sign Alderwiereld and Jerome Boateng because of there high cost and age.
Lindelof has been often deployed out of his position from his preferred position and Mourinho revealed he has been punishing him by playing him elsewhere. Mourinho said,“We have five central defenders, all of them have different qualities and we have to read the situation match by match, but of course, Victor is the youngest one so has more space to develop and improve,.”
‘Technically Victor is good. I am ‘punishing’ him a little bit because I play him on the left side. He is better on the right side but so are the others and my option is to put him on the left because technically he is the best so he is the one that can compensate the fact it’s not his real position.
Jose dropped a real show of support for Victor Lindelof this week – he's improved immeasurably since his arrival – can he cement a regular first team spot alongside Bailly? Or is it matter of time until Jones or Smalling come back? #MUFC #BRIMUN pic.twitter.com/sJEYBu0J7E
— Stephen Howson 🇾🇪 (@MrStephenHowson) August 19, 2018
Lindelof is often deployed in the left or right alongside Smalling or Bailey in the center outside of his usual position to help him develop more and more. The Portuguese added, ‘I expect him to feel more comfortable in the Premier League. If you remember, he had good matches last season in the Champions League, in Lisbon, in Moscow. It looked like he was more ready for continental football. But he’s a young guy and has conditions to improve. I believe in Victor.’
United beat Leicester City in their opening game of the premier league and is set to play on Sunday against Brighton in their second game and according to the reports Alexis Sanchez is set to miss the game against Seagulls on weekend.
Author’s Take-
Victor Lindelof is certainly is a good and young player and playing him out of position will help him develop more and getting used to other position more but sooner or later he wants to play in his preferred position to perform better.
Mourinho should be looking forward to playing Lindelof in his preferred position for the better result and better stability in the heart of the defense. Lindelof is a strong player with speed can help United to move forward with ease by playing in the heart of the defense.
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