Daley Blind would 'prefer' central midfield role at Manchester United

Former manager says capture of Netherlands international was a 'great transfer'

Daley Blind (GETTY IMAGES)

Daley Blind could be set to play a central midfield role at Manchester United after his former manager revealed he 'prefers' that position.

The Netherlands international completed a move to Old Trafford from Ajax on transfer deadline day and came with a reputation of something of a utility player.

Whilst the 24-year-old can play at left-back, it does not seem the ideal position for him under Louis van Gaal considering United also bought Luke Shaw and Marcos Rojo this summer, who also play in that position.

Therefore a midfield role seems more likely and according to Ajax manager Frank de Boer that would be Blind's preferred option.

"It's a great transfer - Daley has been playing for Ajax since he was 10 years old, and now he can hopefully show his qualities at United," De Boer told ITV.

"He started as a full-back but I think now he prefers to be a controlling midfielder. I think he'll have two or three options - either at wing-back or on the left in a central midfield pairing. He'll have to get used to the rhythm of the league first, but he's a really quick thinker and nowadays that's very important."

Blind was one of a number of arrivals over the summer as Van Gaal revamped the squad. As well as Shaw and Rojo, Radamel Falcao and Ander Herrera also moved to the club. Blind, Rojo, Shaw and Falcao are all in line to make their debuts this weekend against QPR as Manchester United go in search of their first win of the season.