Blind Makes United Tick On Debut

Just 90 minutes into his Manchester United career, having debuted in a renascent 4-0 win over Queen Park Rangers, Daley Blind already fits the mould of an unsung hero at Old Trafford.

Angel Di Maria was undoubtedly the star attraction during Sunday’s welcomed return to form, scoring one and playing a role in three more for Ander Herrera, Wayne Rooney and Juan Mata. Marcos Rojo also produced a quietly efficient display at left-back, even though his defensive abilities were used sparingly against a toothless opposition, while Radamel Falcao’s second-half cameo was sound-tracked by the biggest ovation of a particularly jubilant afternoon at the Theatre of Dreams.

Although fans are right to revel in the attacking quality of United’s play, Blind’s understated performance deserved as much attention and the Dutchman looks set to become a vital cog in Louis van Gaal’s machine. His simple, intelligent movement of the ball was pivotal to the Reds’ dominance against a visiting team that inexcusably afforded far too much time and space in midfield.

With goals flying in, it would have been easy for the former Ajax star to press forward in search of a fairytale debut, but encouragingly, he stuck to his position in midfield and kept things ticking over. His only moment of flair was a 30-yard grass-cutter that forced a clumsy save from QPR goalkeeper Rob Green, who did well to deny Falcao's follow-up strike.

Blind’s quietly efficient contributions maintained United’s rhythm, moving the ball from left to right with unerring ease. There was nothing flash, no back-heels or outside of the boot through balls. Just a touch and pass, then another touch and pass. It was beautifully simple and glorious to watch.

The Dutchman showed his street smarts as well, regularly breaking up QPR’s sporadic counters with his impressive reading of the game, sniffing out danger before it had even arrived. He was like Owen Hargreaves in disguise.

As returning hero Rio Ferdinand once said, a good defender always has clean shorts at full-time as he never goes to ground. He intercepts instead of tackling. As you can see on the right, Daley’s were immaculate.

After the match, Blind trudged through the mixed zone with legs full with lactic acid following a combative first outing in the Premier League, a division that demands 90 minutes of physical trauma from all of its participants.

While pleased with his maiden appearance, he was noticeably keen to improve and spoke positively about van Gaal, whose teachings will improve him as a player “in terms of positioning, where to stand and tactics”. Brilliantly, when asked if his new manager is as frightening as his reputation implies, he offered an answer that exposed part of his own personality. “No, he is not frightening, he is just honest,” he told. “That can be frightening for some, but I like it.”

Having answered questions with a candid, direct manner that is perhaps typical of the Dutch, United's new recruit revealed a habit that has helped to shape his fledgling career thus far: a post-match debrief on the phone with his father, Danny Blind, the legendary former Ajax and Holland captain.

“Yeah he still is an influence for me,” Daley admitted, with half a smile. “He helps me always. I always call him after a game to discuss the game, so I am curious to hear what he says this time.”

Although his performance slipped under the radar in comparison to his more flamboyant team-mates, Blind Snr should have been proud of his son’s excellent start to life at the Theatre of Dreams.

On this evidence, Daley Blind won't be United's unsung hero for long.

Credit: manutd.com