Daley Blind is set to take a place at centre-back for Manchester United when they take on Tottenham Hotspur on the first day of the Premier League season.
The versatile Dutchman, who has played in three different positions across the defence, has been paired with fellow central defender Phil Jones throughout the three matches of the side’s pre-season tour of America, where they have been taking part in the International Champions Cup.
Growing into the role
He and the England international played 45 minutes in both victories against Club America and San Jose Earthquakes before playing an hour in the 3-1 victory over European champions Barcelona on Saturday. It does seem that Blind has the left-hand side of the central defence, while Jones is in contention for a starting position with fellow compatriot Chris Smalling.
The 25-year-old, who was signed from Ajax for £14m last summer, looks to have been pushed out of the midfield with the arrival of Southampton’s Morgan Schneiderlin and Bayern Munich’s Bastian Schweinsteiger for £24m and £14m respectively aswell as the presence of Michael Carrick.
Who will make up the rest of the defence?
The fit-again Luke Shaw looks have reclaimed his place as the first-choice left back, whilst Marcos Rojo has been unavailable due to his commitments at the Copa America and Coach Van Gaal has hinted that the starting XI that started the first hour against Barca would be the team most likely to kick off on August 8.
Despite him been out of position, Blind is happy to stake his claim in the centre of defence ahead of the new season, saying that he will “play” where the manager needs him. The Dutchman went on to say that Van Gaal gave him “the chance in this position” and he will try to do his best.
Blind has relished the opportunity to get full pre-season under his belt at the Red Devils saying: “It’s nice to have the group together.”