Paul Pogba stands by Manchester United teammate Victor Lindelof: 'You must not forget that it is his first season'

The defender came under initial criticism for his early performances at Old Trafford but has since settled into life at United, and has so far made 24 appearances for the club across all competitions

'He is a player who adapts very well. He is a quality player. He has been doing well' (Getty)

Paul Pogba believes teammate Victor Lindelof has adapted well to life at Manchester United after joining last summer, urging critics “not [to] forget that it his first season” at the club.

Lindelof signed last summer for £31m to become United’s most expensive defender, overtaking the £29.1m paid out for Rio Ferdinand in 2002.

The 22-year-old came under initial criticism for his early performances at Old Trafford but has since settled into life at United, and has so far made 24 appearances for the club across all competitions.

Although question marks remain over his abilities, Pogba has thrown his full support behind the Sweden international.

“His season has been very good,” Pogba told Expressen earlier this week. “He shows the quality on the pitch, he has shown to the world and for all supporters what he can do.

“He is a very good player and we need him. He is a nice person off the pitch too, you must not forget that it is his first season. It’s never easy for the first year in England. He is a player who adapts very well. He is a quality player. He has been doing well.

“He has won big titles and played with big players already in Benfica, so he is not new to the football world.”

Lindelof joined United after four seasons at Benfica, where he caught the eye of a number of suitors on the continent. A move to Old Trafford was first discussed in the 2017 January transfer window but failed to materialise before a deal was eventually signed in June.