Manchester United’s new £14 million deadline day signing Daley Blind prefers a role in the centre of midfield, as stated by his former manager Frank de Boer, which has been reported by the Daily Mail.

Blind, who worked under his new manager Louis van Gaal for the Dutch national side at the World Cup, is regarded as something of a utility player, able to operate in several roles across the pitch without suffering as a result.

Van Gaal used him primarily as a left sided defender during the Netherlands’ World Cup campaign, when they reached the semi finals, but he has featured across the park throughout his career.

De Boer, however, has said that Blind now prefers to play as a holding midfielder in the centre of the park.

He said:  “He [Blind] started as a full-back but I think now he prefers to be a controlling midfielder.

“He’ll have two or three options [at United] – either at wing-back or on the left in a central midfield pairing.

“For Daley it’s a great transfer. He’s 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’s a really quick thinker and nowadays that’s very important.”

The Dutch manager has led Ajax to four successive Dutch league titles, and was linked with a move to Spurs this summer before Mauricio Pochettino was appointed.