Victor Lindelof horror show highlights just why Manchester United boss Jose Mourinho does not trust £31m signing

  • Manchester United paid Benfica £31million for Victor Lindelof this summer
  • But Jose Mourinho does not seem to trust him and has yet to start him in the PL
  • Lindelof came off the bench to replace the injured Phil Jones at Huddersfield
  • It was quickly apparent why Mourinho has reservations about the Swede
  • Within 10 minutes of coming on, Lindelof made two errors that led to goals
  • Huddersfield 2-1 Man United: Aaron Mooy and Laurent Depoitre earn shock win

Phil Jones thumped the ground in frustration. For him, a familiar tale. Just as that groove had returned, that presence in the heart of Manchester United's defence, his body failed him.

This time it appeared to be a thigh problem that forced him off 23 minutes into what ended up a chastening afternoon for Jose Mourinho. Jones has been a key component of United's sturdiness at the back.

Alongside John Stones, he is England's form centre half, enjoying his longest run of Premier League starts - 13 - since signing six years ago. The full extent of this latest setback is so far unknown but the way Jones instinctively motioned to come off does not bode particularly well.

The turning point in Manchester United's shock loss at Huddersfield was an injury to Phil Jones

The turning point in Manchester United's shock loss at Huddersfield was an injury to Phil Jones

Jones hobbled off the pitch on 23 minutes, with manager Jose Mourinho looking concerned

Jones hobbled off the pitch on 23 minutes, with manager Jose Mourinho looking concerned

Justifiably so. Within 10 minutes of replacing Jones with Victor Lindelof, United were 2-0 down

Justifiably so. Within 10 minutes of replacing Jones with Victor Lindelof, United were 2-0 down

Nor did it for United, who felt his absence almost immediately. Only five minutes passed before his replacement, Victor Lindelof, had showcased just why Mourinho cannot trust him right now.


Lindelof is the £31million central defender who does not seem to fancy committing to tackles or heading footballs. One of his first involvements was to completely misjudge a situation on halfway which led to the opener. 

Aaron Mooy, the eventual goalscorer, pounced on Juan Mata's indecisiveness but over-ran the ball. It was there to be mopped up but Lindelof, who looked overawed by the occasion, dithered and ended up jockeying for 40 yards before Mooy found the net.

Perhaps that mistake was on his mind because worse was to follow. Huddersfield goalkeeper Jonas Lossl smacked a ball downfield in hope and Lindelof was right underneath it. Laurent Depoitre loitered, Lindelof inexplicably ducked. Depoitre scored.

A pair of embarrassing goals conceded by United in five minutes, having previously only giving up two in almost 11 hours in the Premier League with Jones manning the defence. Definitely no coincidence. 

Aaron Mooy (right) gave Huddersfield the lead after Lindelof failed to beat him to a loose ball

Aaron Mooy (right) gave Huddersfield the lead after Lindelof failed to beat him to a loose ball

Lindelof ducked out of a header moments later and was punished by Laurent Depoitre (left)

Lindelof ducked out of a header moments later and was punished by Laurent Depoitre (left)

Mourinho has not started Lindelof in the Premier League. This evidence suggests that was wise

Mourinho has not started Lindelof in the Premier League. This evidence suggests that was wise

Lindelof, signed to move United on from the likes of Jones, endured a shaky pre-season tour of America and disappointed during the Super Cup final defeat by Real Madrid. He'd only played a minute in the Premier League before this. Yet Mourinho simply cannot legislate for these sort of errors.

A TALE OF TWO MISTAKES 

MISTAKE 1: Lindelof made the wrong decision in not engaging with Aaron Mooy on the halfway line.

MISTAKE 2: Lindelof ducked out of the way of a long punt upfield and Laurent Depoitre cashed in.

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United legend Paddy Crerand delivered a blow at half-time, saying they 'gave away two goals like you would see in a kids match,' and he was right. Yes, it is extremely early in Lindelof's career here and yes, there is a significant adjustment in coming from Benfica. But these are the basics and should raise serious concerns among Mourinho's coaching staff.

So too the injury situation. Mourinho said on Friday that he 'will not cry' about the ever-lengthening list of absentees but they are unquestionably hindering him. Eric Bailly will be back for the Tottenham game next Saturday and he will have to be based on Lindelof's display in the howling wind and swirling rain.

It was actually hard not to have a pang of sympathy for Chris Smalling, who had a fine afternoon in the Yorkshire damp. The 23-year-old next to him, however, has some work to do. 

Lindelof was awful at the John Smith's Stadium, where he looked anything but a £31m player

Lindelof was awful at the John Smith's Stadium, where he looked anything but a £31m player

His United team-mates looked dejected after Huddersfield scored their second goal of the day

His United team-mates looked dejected after Huddersfield scored their second goal of the day

Mourinho looked equally unimpressed as he threw his arms around in frustration in the rain

Mourinho looked equally unimpressed as he threw his arms around in frustration in the rain