UNITED V WEST HAM Boss hints Vic can play a midfield role
JOSE Mourinho has suggested Victor Lindelof could play in midfield for United this season.
Centre-half Lindelof, 23, joined United in a £30.7m deal from Benfica two months ago and made his debut in a back three after figuring in the club’s seven pre-season fixtures.
Lindelof played at right-back for Sweden Under-21s during their triumphant European Championship tournament in 2015, but Mourinho has admitted he could play him further forward.
When Mourinho was asked about United’s full-back situation amid interest in Tottenham’s Danny Rose, he replied: “Twenty-five per cent means one of four [signings], and we have got a central defender that can play in many other positions, which is important.
“Victor can play right-back and can play centre-midfield. We got a centremidfielder and we got an attacking player. Obviously the 25 per cent would be a player for another position playing from the sides.
“But we have players and if we cannot strengthen the team in these areas we have people we can trust and go for it.”
When the M.E.N. spoke with Lindelof’s former Vasteras coach, Kalle Granath, he revealed the defender began his youth career as a midfielder. “He came up to the senior team as a central midfielder,” Granath said. “And we could see he was smart with the ball.” UNITED manager Jose Mourinho has confirmed he wants a player who ‘can play from the sides’ following Danny Rose’s comments about Tottenham’s apparent lack of ambition.
Rose released a statement apologising for the timing of his comments in a midweek newspaper interview but is understood to stand by his views on Spurs’ situation.
The 27-year-old said: “Man United, more or less, are there [with their squad]. Although I hear Mourinho may want one or two more players. But I am sure he’d be happy with his squad.”
United are believed to be interested in left-back Rose and Mourinho reiterated he wants to strengthen his squad with the addition of a wide player.
“You know, in my initial analysis coming from January and progressively through the other months, I was thinking about four players,” Mourinho said.
“But I am not a difficult person to work with, in spite of it looking different, and I understand the reality of the market.
“I understand the reality of the numbers, and I also understand that my club, by doing 75 per cent of what I initially asked, I think the club did very well.
“So I don’t think I am in a position of crying. I am not in a position to say I am not happy.
“I am happy with the effort the club did, before the Premier League starts and if until the August 31 the remaining 25pc don’t arrive I will not moan, I will just go with everything I have to try to win every match we play.”
When Mourinho was specifically asked whether he was content with his full-backs, he replied: “Obviously the 25pc would be a player for another position playing from the sides, but we have players and if we cannot strengthen the team in these areas we have people we can trust and go for it.”
United have not ended their pursuit of Internazionale winger Ivan Perisic and are open to making two more signings, but the transfer window is only open for 20 more days.
Mourinho’s comments came after Rose apologised for comments questioning Tottenham’s ambitions – but stopped short of closing the door on a move to United.
His Spurs team-mates are believed to have privately applauded his comments, while Eric Dier was keen on a move to United – only to see Mourinho sign Nemanja Matic.
Rose’s statement, released through agency Base Soccer, said: “Having had time to consider my actions, I acknowledge now that the timing and manner of what I said was ill-judged.
“My words were not meant to offend and for that I would like to apologise to the chairman, manager, my team-mates and the fans. I’d also like to wish the lads good luck ahead of Sunday’s game against Newcastle.”
M.E.N. Sport revealed before the Rose interview was published Mourinho was keen on a left-back, with Luke Shaw ruled out of the start of the new Premier League campaign with an injury.
The England international is now back in training, but Mourinho has been left with utility men Darmian and Blind as back-ups.