Dutch Utility Man Linked With Van Gaal Reunion - Why Manchester United Could Sign Daley Blind

The latest player to be linked with a move to Old Trafford is someone who could not only provide competition for the Red Devils’ left-back spot but who is also capable of playing in their problem position of central midfield.  This news would no doubt be welcomed by Manchester United fans, especially given the recent announcement of an injury to Michael Carrick.

According to the Daily Mail, incoming United manager Louis van Gaal is interested in bringing Daley Blind, a member of his Netherlands World Cup squad, to his new club.  Despite the £30 million signing of teenage defender Luke Shaw, rumours of Patrice Evra departing to Juventus mean the left-hand side of United’s backline could be in need of cover.

Blind came through the ranks at Ajax in, initially breaking into the first team in 2008 before becoming a regular feature for the Amsterdam side over the last couple of years.  The 24-year-old has played 116 times in the Eredivisie and also has experience of playing in Europe, something which the Red Devils will not have during the upcoming campaign having just failed to qualify for the first time in the Premier League era.

A Netherlands international with 19 caps for his country, Blind would reportedly cost just over half of what United paid for Shaw earlier this summer.  As van Gaal looks set to mould his own side at Old Trafford, it would not be surprising to see him move for such a familiar face.

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