Lindelof became Manchester United’s first signing of the summer when he completed his £30million move from Benfica and has featured heavily in their tour of the United States.
The Sweden international has played in all five of their pre-season friendlies, in which they lost only once to Barcelona.
Mourinho is happy with Lindelof’s contribution so far but admits he is not expecting too much from the 23-year-old too soon.
“Step by step,” Mourinho said when asked about the young centre-back.
“Benfica is a giant club, I always think that players coming from Benfica come mentally ready because it is a big club and the responsibility to play for them makes players ready.
“But the Portuguese league is different and has different qualities.
“Benfica is one of the dominant teams, so he’s more used to playing with the ball than without the ball, so he needs his time and we are going to give him his time to develop.
“Such a young player needs time.
“Manchester United is a huge club with huge responsibility; the Premier League is the same.
“So let’s give him time, but we’re happy with what he is doing, step by step.”
The Red Devils face Sampdoria in their final pre-season friendly on Wednesday before next week’s Super Cup clash with Real Madrid.
