Frank de Boer: Daley Blind 'Wants Central Midfield Role' at Manchester United

Daley Blind wants to play as a central midfielder for Manchester United, according to his former Ajax manager, Frank de Boer.

Blind, 24, sealed his move to Old Trafford on transfer deadline day and is one of a number of new arrivals who could make his debut for the club against Queens Park Rangers on Sunday 14 September.

Despite having played the majority of last season in central midfield under De Boer, Blind gained a reputation as a versatile option during the World Cup as he played an integral role in Louis van Gaal's Netherlands side.

The Dutchman took up roles at left-back and centre-half in Brazil but his former boss believes he would prefer to take up a more commanding position further up the pitch for United.

Speaking to ITV during the Netherlands' Euro 2016 qualifier against Czech Republic on Tuesday 9 September, De Boer said: "He started as a full-back but I think now he prefers to be a controlling midfielder. I think he will have two or three options [at United] – either at wing-back or on the left in a central midfield pairing.

"For Daley it is a great transfer. He has been playing for Ajax since he was 10 years old and now he can hopefully show his qualities at United.

"He'll have to get used to the rhythm of the league first but he is a really quick thinker and nowadays that is very important."

Blind could be one of four debutants when Harry Redknapp's side travel to Old Trafford. His fellow deadline day arrival Radamel Falcao is expected to feature following his arrival from Monaco while Marcos Rojo – who was awarded a work permit before the international break – could come in with Phil Jones a doubt.

They could also be joined by £27m signing Luke Shaw, who is nearing a return after suffering a hamstring injury at the beginning of the season.