Van Gaal Sees Blind As Defensive Midfielder

Louis van Gaal says Manchester United fans can expect to see Daley Blind in midfield in the coming season, but says the Dutchman’s versatility makes him a valuable asset to the squad.

The Reds boss managed the former Ajax player during his time in charge of the Netherlands, including this summer when the 24-year-old impressed at the 2014 World Cup.

Van Gaal is clearly delighted to have the £14million deadline-day signing on board and is looking to utilise his defensive midfield qualities in particular.

“He is a player who can see situations in advance," said the boss, when asked about Blind's best assets in an exclusive MUTV interview.

"He can [therefore] always pass to the free player, and when he doesn't have the ball, he knows when he has to press the opponent. That's a very good ability to have.

“I like him as a defensive midfielder, but he can also play in central defence or at left full-back.

“He can run for 90 minutes too and is always fit. That’s another very good quality for a player.”

Blind's fellow deadline-day signing Radamel Falcao is another player that van Gaal is excited about and one whose progress he has followed for many years.

“He is a player I have always admired. I liked him when he played for Atletico Madrid and saw him scoring goals in finals,” recalled the manager, again on MUTV.

“After that I saw him this year when the Dutch national team played Colombia and he made a wonderful impression again on me. I know him and I know his record which is very promising. I’m very happy that we could sign him on the last day of the transfer window.”