Stay up to date with notifications from The Independent

Notifications can be managed in browser preferences.

Daley Blind set to play at centre-back for Manchester United after impressing in pre-season friendly

The defence was a woe to manager Louis van Gaal last season

James Orr
Sunday 19 July 2015 15:52 BST
Comments
Daley Blind in action for Manchester United
Daley Blind in action for Manchester United (GETTY IMAGES)

Daley Blind appears to have solved Louis van Gaal's defensive problem at Manchester United.

The Dutchman, who usually plays in central midfield, was deployed as a centre-back for United for their friendly against Club America in Seattle on Friday.

The 25-year-old started in a back four partnering Phil Jones in the 1-0 victory.

United were forced to call up Paddy McNair last season, the young Northern Irishman coming into the team after injuries to Chris Smalling, Phil Jones and Marcos Rojo.

Asked whether Blind would play more games at centre-back next season, Van Gaal replied: “It could be, it could be.

“Marcos Rojo is not here, he shall come on July 25. I want to play always with a left-footed central defender and he can do the job. Maybe he shall play. But other players can play there.

“Last year I played with Jones and Smalling in that position. Even McNair has played there. But my preference is always a left-footed central defender.

“In Rojo and Blind, we have two players who can play there.”

Join our commenting forum

Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies

Comments

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in