Blind: Memphis Belongs At Club Like United

Daley Blind believes Memphis Depay’s eccentric personality and willingness to express himself on the pitch is perfectly suited to a club like Manchester United, where maverick entertainers have historically been embraced by fans at Old Trafford.

Memphis joined the Reds earlier this summer with a reputation as one of the most exciting young players in Europe, having previously excelled for PSV Eindhoven, and the 21-year-old has quickly endeared himself to supporters following a series of all-action performances.

Of course – as you will have no doubt have watched, read and heard about – our latest no.7 was simply magnificent during the Champions League victory over Club Brugge when he scored two sublime first-half goals and provided the assist for Marouane Fellaini’s header in added time, all of which helped him earn our Man-of-the-Match award on Twitter by claiming 82 per cent of votes cast.

Blind first encountered Memphis when the latter made his international debut for Holland back in 2013 and, during an exclusive interview with Saturday’s official matchday programme at Old Trafford, the in-form centre-back provides a unique insight into our new signing’s character and ability.

“He’s settled in very well,” Blind explains in United Review. “You can see he has a lot of talent, he’s very strong and quick and a real personality. He dares to show himself on the pitch which is very positive and he’s a really good guy who gets along with everyone.

“He just needs to enjoy it as much as he can. Of course you’re focused on giving the best performance you can every day in training and in matches, but it’s important not to put yourself under too much pressure and make sure you enjoy moments, like when you play at Old Trafford.

“I’m also not sure he needs my advice as he is a real personality! (Laughs) He knows what he can do and has a lot of faith in himself, and that’s a good way to be at a club like United.”

United face Newcastle at Old Trafford in the Barclays Premier League on Saturday and Blind is looking forward to competing against his Dutch compatriots Tim Krul, Georginio Wijnaldum, Siem de Jong and Vurnon Anita, who have all been discussing the game ahead of kick-off.

“It’s always a big game against Newcastle and I know some of the guys there who are from Holland,” says Daley. “It’s always nice to see them. I’ve talked to Siem de Jong already about the game – he is a good friend of mine and we talk a lot. I also speak to Vurnon Anita. Yes, there’s been some banter ahead of the game, but I am just focused on making sure we win it!

“I’m really looking forward to the match,” Blind continues. “I watched their game last week – I see Daryl Janmaat is now suspended – but we still we have to be sharp and focused. We want to keep up the spirit and keep up the good feeling.”