According to Manchester Evening News, as cited by Old Trafford Faithful, Manchester United manager Jose Mourinho is set to hand more game time to one of his out-of-favour defenders Victor Lindelof this season. The Portuguese gaffer was unable to land any of his defensive targets this summer and is forced to make do with whatever resources he has at his disposal.
The 24-year-old Swedish centre-back, who joined United last summer from Benfica, saw himself turned into a sporadic option for the Red Devils. Eric Bailey, Phil Jones and Chris Smalling were considered ahead of him in the starting lineup and the player had to see himself pushed down the pecking order.
This season, however, he started alongside Eric Bailey in the opener against Leicester City, which might be an indication of Mourinho using him as a more regular option as the season progresses. Lindelof, who is cemented starter in the Swedish national squad, dished out a cool and composed display and held his line well to see the Red Devils clinch their first victory in their opening match this term.
Mourinho had a number of names on his defensive wishlist this summer, including the likes of Toby Alderweireld, Harry Maguire and Jerome Boateng. However, he failed to get his hands on any of them and was visibly disappointed during the pre-season friendlies.
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Now, with the inclusion of the Swedish defensive ace in his lineup, who did his job well in the last outing, the Portuguese mastermind should feel relatively relaxed about his team formation. The player had to bide his time on the bench for most of the last season but it seems that the manager is now convinced that he can take on the challenges of the Premier League.
