Lindelof has yet to start a Premier League game for United and was an unused substitute in the 4-0 win over Swansea last month.
However, he is set to be handed his first United start this season in the Champions League alongside Chris Smalling tonight (7.45pm) against Basel.
His uncertain debut in the European Super Cup against Real Madrid has meant opportunities have been scarce.
But Mourinho is adamant that some players are at different speeds, and has likened Lindelof’s situation to that of Carvalho, who he previously worked with when he managed Chelsea.
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Victor Lindelof is set to make his Champions League debut for Manchester United tonight
Victor is an intelligent kid, he is very calm and of course he wants to play
Jose Mourinho
He said: “Victor is an intelligent kid, he is very calm and of course he wants to play.
“We take it step by step. [At Chelsea] we had one of the best central defenders in the Premier League’s last decade, Ricardo Carvalho, and when he arrived from Portugal he was in trouble a little bit to adapt.
“Then he had an amazing career in the Premier League after that and I am sure Victor will be the same.
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Jose Mourinho thinks Victor Lindelof will recover from his slow start
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“So it is good for him to play in the Champions League and probably he won’t play at the weekend, but he will play again next week in the [Carabao] Cup, so matches are coming for him.”
By easing Lindelof back into the fold against Basel, it is hope the Swede will show what he’s capable of.
United warmed up for their European tie with a 2-2 draw away to Stoke on Saturday.
