Dublin, Aug 3 (IANS): Manchester United head coach Jose Mourinho hailed the club's newly-signed defensive midfielder Nemanja Matic, calling him "a genius" after the Serbian played his first match in United jersey at the Aviva stadium here against Italian football club UC Sampdoria.

Matic was part of the starting XI for United on Wednesday in the side's 2-1 friendly tour victory over the Genoa club.

"He needs time but (his) experience, intelligence, a genius in the way he thinks -- he thinks football," Mourinho was quoted saying by Sky Sports.

The Portugese having coached Matic earlier in Chelsea admitted that the Manchester club will help him grow better.

"We will help him to be ready sooner rather than later," the 54-year-old said.

Mourinho also praised his players for their three victories from the four pre-season friendly tour matches in 2017-18. 

In the pre-season tour so far, Manchester United have beaten Champions League defending champions Real Madrid, English Premier League (EPL) rivals Manchester City and Italian club UC Sampdoria. 

The club's only loss came against Spanish football giants FC Barcelona.

"To get three out of four I thank the club for that, I will be happier if they get me four of four but they did a great effort for me," Mourinho concluded.

Manchester United will kick-off their EPL season on August 13 against London club West Ham.