VIC CAN TAKE THE RED HEAT

VICTOR Lindelof will not fold under the pressure at United – and will establish himself as a key defender at Old Trafford.

The Swede has struggled since signing for £30m from Benfica but his countryman and United 1999 treble winner, Jesper Blomqvist, is convinced the 22-year-old will fight back.

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

“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.” Lindelof had a difficult Super Cup game against Real Madrid in Macedonia on the eve of the season and paid for it. Since his struggle manager Jose Mourinho hasn’t chosen the central defender in his starting XI.

“Victor needs time,” added Blomqvist. “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 and not get uptight about it. I still believe a lot in him. I am sure when he acclimatises at United he will be okay.

“I thought he was the perfect fit for United and I still do.”

Lindelof is set to play in United’s Champions League opener against Basel on September 12 due to Phil Jones and Eric Bailly’s suspensions.

VICTOR Lindelof returned to form at the right time for United in Sweden’s comfortable World Cup qualifying win in Belarus.

Lindelof started for the Swedes as they kept a clean sheet in their 4-0 win in Barysaw and United fans were purring over his contribution for Marcus Berg’s goal.

The 23-year-old played a defencesplitting pass into the path of Emil Forsberg, who squared the ball for Berg to tap the ball into an empty net and give the Scandinavians a 3-0 lead at the interval.

Jose Mourinho has already promised Lindelof he will make his European debut for United in next week’s Champions League opener against Basel, since Eric Bailly and Phil Jones are suspended.

“Eric is playing really well,” Mourinho said. “I have to say Smalling is in very good condition, and I have also to say Victor is improving every day.

“So, as you know, against Basel Jones and Eric are both suspended, so against Basel we will play Victor and Smalling.” Elsewhere, Daley Blind claimed two assists in the Netherlands’ 3-1 win over Bulgaria in the same group, but Paul Pogba endured a humiliating night with France, who were held to a goalless draw by 136th-ranked Luxembourg in Paris.

Romelu Lukaku made it eight goals in six matches for club and country this season with a winner in Greece.