Blind Values Partnership With Smalling

Daley Blind believes his upbringing at the Ajax Academy has helped him adapt to a new position alongside Chris Smalling at the heart of Manchester United's defence.

The Netherlands international is arguably the Reds' most versatile player, the kind of multi-functional footballer so treasured by Louis van Gaal and other managers. He played at left-back in last year's World Cup finals, operated in both that role and central midfield for United during his first season and has started each game of 2015/16 so far at centre-back.

Although the 25-year-old dropped back to play as part of a three-man backline last term, performing alongside Smalling has been a relatively new experience. And while the England defender's dominant displays have earned him a place on the Player of the Month shortlist, Blind has also impressed after adapting swiftly to his positional switch in the opening weeks of the campaign.

The Dutchman told MUTV recently: "I try to do my best and I have the faith of the manager, which gives me a lot of confidence. It is good to play there alongside Chris Smalling. He is great next to me, he is a great player. He’s different to me, I do it my own way, but I can learn a lot from Chris."

Blind also learned about playing at centre-back during his time at Ajax, his only permanent club before he joined United a year ago.

"I played there in the Ajax youth team," he told MUTV. "I’m happy that Ajax's academy allowed me to play in different positions and to improve to become the player that I am now.

"I am a player who can adapt fast to different positions, whether it be midfield, left-back or now centre-back. I try to look to each position and ask myself: 'What is needed for this position?' 'What do I have to do in this position?' and try to work from that. I am very happy that I can play in these positions."