Man Utd news: 'Perfect' Victor Lindelof just needs time to impress - Jesper Blomqvist

VICTOR LINDELOF just needs time to adapt to life at Manchester United and English football, according to former Red Jesper Blomqvist.

Lindelof has not appeared for United since the 2-1 UEFA Super Cup defeat to Real Madrid last month.

The Swede was a £30million signing from Benfica and was expected to be a key to Jose Mourinho's plans alongside Eric Bailly in central defence.

But Phil Jones has instead partnered the Ivorian at the back leaving Lindelof watching from the sidelines.

Nevertheless Jesper Blomqvist, who spent three years at Old Trafford believes his compatriot needs to remain confident.

“It is definitely one step up to come to Manchester United for everybody,” he said.

I am sure when he acclimatises at United I am sure he will be okay

Jesper Blomqvist

“The competition for places is always going to be tough. I was up against the likes of Ryan Giggs and David Beckham and the guys Victor is competing against are top players.

"Most of them have been at Old Trafford a long time and have adapted. They are obviously at an advantage.”

He added: “Victor needs time. I don't think he should be stressed about it or panicky. I understand there is a lot of pressure but he needs to relax, settle down and not get uptight about it.

“I still believe a lot in him. I am sure when he acclimatises at United I am sure he will be okay.

Victor LindelofGETTY

Victor Lindelof has not played for Man Utd this season

“I thought he was the perfect fit for United and still do. He is very comfortable with the ball, he has pace. He is a good one against one defender.

“This is just part of his learning process. Everybody takes time. Very few come in and settle down. Eric Bailly was probably an exception.

“When I came over here I found it difficult at first. It doesn't matter what size of club you have been at before Manchester United is different.

“There is so much going on around in this club. Because the club is so big it is difficult to get into it, everybody is so spread about it is hard to feel a part of it immediately.

"Obviously you can settle in the dressing room with your team mates but bedding down into the club generally is tough.

“Unless you are someone like Dwight Yorke for instance! He just fits in everywhere and never feels any pressure. But you have to be a special kind of character to ease in like that. Few players have that capacity.

“But as long as Victor works hard, and I know he will do that, then when he gets his chances he will take them.

“There is nothing wrong with taking a bit of time to bed down in a club. It doesn't have to happen overnight as soon as you arrive. People are likening it to Henrikh Mkhitaryan last season and it is similar. Henrikh is now okay and Victor will be too.”

Would you like to receive news notifications from Daily Express?