The depth isn’t where Louis van Gaal would like it, but Manchester United’s addition of Daley Blind makes them a much better team moving forward.
The long-rumored move was confirmed on Monday, with the 24-year-old penning a four-year deal after joining from Ajax for a reported $23 million transfer fee.
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Blind can man the outside back, center back and center defensive mid positions, with many expecting him to join Ander Herrera as a force in controlling the center of the park (and subsequently allowing Wayne Rooney and/or Juan Mata plenty of opportunity to playing daring, attacking football up top).
“It is a real honour to sign for Manchester United. I have been at Ajax since I was seven years old and I will always have very fond memories of the club and of my time there.
“Louis van Gaal is a tremendously talented coach, I have worked with him at Ajax and also for the Netherlands national team and I cannot wait to work with him at the biggest club in the world.”
Louis van Gaal said: “I am delighted Daley has signed for the club. He is a very intelligent and versatile footballer that can play in many positions. Daley is a great reader of the game, he has played under my philosophy over a number of years and he will be a great addition to the team.”
With no UEFA Champions League football, the Blind move will help United immensely in the short- and long-term. The big question now is whether van Gaal will change his formation from the much-discussed 3-5-2.
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