I was going to come here to post exactly the same thing.
To be fair Blind played mainly as LWB at the world cup with one brief stint in midfield and one or two games as LCB.
Either way, they clearly seemed unaware that he plays in midfield for Ajax.
Daley Blind - Deal Confirmed
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I was going to come here to post exactly the same thing.
To be fair Blind played mainly as LWB at the world cup with one brief stint in midfield and one or two games as LCB.
Either way, they clearly seemed unaware that he plays in midfield for Ajax.
One thing id like to remind everyone of is that last summer people were hating on strootman in the same way, he went to Roma and now everyone wants him. Don't be so quick to write players offoff
He's not good enough, imo. And we already bought a player that can CB and LWB. I don't think we are in for him, seems like lazy journalism.
I haven't seen enough of him to really judge. He looked ok in the World Cup, but he looked pretty slow from memory. However, if he is even half the player his dad was then he will be a great signing. Used to love watching his dad play in that sublime Ajax team of the 90's. I think he would make a nice addition to the squad due to his versatility. Although we surely don't need him at LB, the fact he can play DM and CB could be useful.
Personally though, I feel to really truly compete this season and to be really feared or taken seriously, I think we need Vidal or Carvalho. I was really optimistic during pre-season. Young was my player of the friendlies and has gone straight back to his old self it seems. The exact same can be said for Fletcher who was immense in pre season, and Cleverly who wasn't amazing, but wasn't bad in America. Back here though and it seems most of our players have reverted back to type. I can't begin to explain the difference in a lot of them as Swansea and Sunderland aren't exactly Inter, Roma, Real Madrid or even Liverpool. I think nerves and pressure must count for some of it. But the truth is United don't have one truly world class star in midfield, and are especially lacking because Herrera and Carrick are both injured. Swansea was bad enough but at least United created more chances. Yesterday was a pure shambles and mainly in midfield. Fletcher and Cleverly were truly abysmal. It's a good job Fellaini is injured because he would have probably got himself sent off yesterday.
Without a doubt yesterday highlighted yet again Uniteds' lack of a midfield. I think the defence did remarkably well considering the midfield mistakes made it so much more difficult for them. I personally don't think we can afford to patch the midfield up for another season. Everyone else has strengthened their squads. City, Chelsea, Liverpool, Everton, Arsenal and even Spurs have improved slightly. You can argue if Liverpool will click and if Sanchez and co click at Arsenal or if Spurs can gain consistency under Pochettino, but you can be sure City, Chelsea and Everton will only be improved by their signings. If anyone thinks United can achieve top 4 with Cleverly and Fletcher in the middle of the park, then I'd think they are mad. I really like and want Cleverly and Fletcher to do well, but it's clear they are just not good enough and especially not when paired together. Any of the top 6 last year would have a field day never mind Sunderland. I am 100% sure LvG knows this even more than most of us fans, and I am 100% sure he WILL fix it. He hinted as much yesterday by name dropping Vidal. I really hope it was to lure him into putting in a "come and get me" transfer request. I just hope he fixes it this summer, especially as I think the chances of getting Vidal or fit/unfit (who knows?) Strootman in January are slim to none.
To be fair, it's completely counter-productive to NOT fix it as our sponsorship deals are well known to have no CL clauses. Ironically, it would cost United more and (I don't just mean financially) by not qualifying for the Champions League than it would signing say Vidal for £50 million.
Fingers are definitely crossed on this one.
Personally though, I feel to really truly compete this season and to be really feared or taken seriously, I think we need Vidal or Carvalho. I was really optimistic during pre-season. Young was my player of the friendlies and has gone straight back to his old self it seems. The exact same can be said for Fletcher who was immense in pre season, and Cleverly who wasn't amazing, but wasn't bad in America. Back here though and it seems most of our players have reverted back to type. I can't begin to explain the difference in a lot of them as Swansea and Sunderland aren't exactly Inter, Roma, Real Madrid or even Liverpool. I think nerves and pressure must count for some of it. But the truth is United don't have one truly world class star in midfield, and are especially lacking because Herrera and Carrick are both injured. Swansea was bad enough but at least United created more chances. Yesterday was a pure shambles and mainly in midfield. Fletcher and Cleverly were truly abysmal. It's a good job Fellaini is injured because he would have probably got himself sent off yesterday.
Without a doubt yesterday highlighted yet again Uniteds' lack of a midfield. I think the defence did remarkably well considering the midfield mistakes made it so much more difficult for them. I personally don't think we can afford to patch the midfield up for another season. Everyone else has strengthened their squads. City, Chelsea, Liverpool, Everton, Arsenal and even Spurs have improved slightly. You can argue if Liverpool will click and if Sanchez and co click at Arsenal or if Spurs can gain consistency under Pochettino, but you can be sure City, Chelsea and Everton will only be improved by their signings. If anyone thinks United can achieve top 4 with Cleverly and Fletcher in the middle of the park, then I'd think they are mad. I really like and want Cleverly and Fletcher to do well, but it's clear they are just not good enough and especially not when paired together. Any of the top 6 last year would have a field day never mind Sunderland. I am 100% sure LvG knows this even more than most of us fans, and I am 100% sure he WILL fix it. He hinted as much yesterday by name dropping Vidal. I really hope it was to lure him into putting in a "come and get me" transfer request. I just hope he fixes it this summer, especially as I think the chances of getting Vidal or fit/unfit (who knows?) Strootman in January are slim to none.
To be fair, it's completely counter-productive to NOT fix it as our sponsorship deals are well known to have no CL clauses. Ironically, it would cost United more and (I don't just mean financially) by not qualifying for the Champions League than it would signing say Vidal for £50 million.
Fingers are definitely crossed on this one.
On Talksport Mitten said United were denying any contact had been made despite the Dutch claims.
If we brought him in, it would be as a squad player in midfield, left back, left wing back, or part of a back 3. Great versatility to have really. My worry is how he'd handle the pace and physicality of the premier league, but he wouldn't be a key player anyways so it's not a big deal. He's an intelligent player, a good passer so he'd be an improvement on Cleverley, Fellaini and Fletcher in midfield, so for that alone, I'd be for it.
Cruyff after the Ajax 3-1 defeat against PSV:
It sounds like he's talking about the speed at which Ajax passed the ball around
Scouts talking rubbish again.
LVG and Cruyff have different views about football so Cruyff's opinions may not carry much weight.
Blind doesn't need to be the reason why they were there. Memphis Depay seems far more likely for me and it's not like there are not other talented players to see, when Ajax play against PSV.
He didn't say the scouts were there to see Blind or anyone. He said the scouts has told him that deal for Blind was nearly done or close.
Anyway, he has said that the United sources are saying nothing like that otherwise.
Would much rather sign De Jong.
No, but if Blind was LvG's first or even second choice in any number of positions he'd be here by now.
I'll buck the trend here and say Blind is a perfect utility signing. He can play in a number of positions and can fill in where needed in case of injuries to firm starters at CB,LB,LWB,CM etc. Good signing if we get him and all part of LVG's plans for a well balances 22/23 man squad eventually.
Its because they have never seen him play in the Eredivisie and are only going by his World Cup performances. You would think they had do a little more research before suggesting to the general masses that he can only play 2 positions.
Blind shouldn't be our only midfield addition. A combination of Blind/Vidal swoop would be excellent. Getting the two of them would mean we have a great utility player and a World Class central midfielder. It could also mean the likes of Fellaini and Cleverley are done at our club.
Even in the wc he played centrally in a game or 2.
We should sign players that will improve our team. We are not Liverpool.
As LCB, no DM or CM.
A game De jong came off very early and he slotted in ,cant remember which.
Blind is an improvement on Cleverley/Fletcher.
Really, I don't remember that
. No matter, he's best as a central midfielder but I think we should aim higher.That doesn't mean he is a good option for us. A dead animal is an improvement on them at this point.
Really, I don't remember that
I agree,if Schneiderlin is available for what we paid for Fellaini than we should hit Southampton,especially if he wants away.
This is the same type of snobbery we had last season. People throwing their noses up to Cabaye or McCarthy. This is how you build a strong squad: You take weak players like Anderson, Cleverley or Fletcher and replace them with stronger players like de Jong, Blind or McCarthy.
I'd like both Cabaye or McCarthy. In fact, I rate them highly and think they'd be massive coups for us. Blind is a level below them, at least. I'm not a snob, way to jump to conclusions though. I don't rate one fecking player and you criticize me
You don't build a strong squad until you have a strong first xi. Right now we have one quality player in that position. Blind would be a starter and that would not be good enough.
Not having a go at you, just felt very familiar to some others criticism of potential targets last season which I found baffling.I'd like both Cabaye or McCarthy. In fact, I rate them highly and think they'd be massive coups for us. Blind is a level below them, at least. I'm not a snob, way to jump to conclusions though. I don't rate one fecking player and you criticize me
Cabaye would be our best central midfielder. I was very frustrated we weren't in for him.
Yep, we need to remember this squad can't be rectified over night. It'll be a few years process, lets gradually and steadily improve.
You could argue that the "anyone is better than this lot" type thinking led us to Felliaini last summer.
Maybe, but it was obvious Fellaini was better suited to a different style of football. Blind has already proven himself in van Gaal's system. Would you rather start with Blind in midfield or Fletcher/Cleverley? Because I know who I'd rather anyway.
This and thats exactly whats going to lead us to Blind and/or De Jong.
I mean, it's becoming quite evident that our current midfielders cannot even do a job 'til quality becomes available. Blind, I'm sure, could do a job.
I prefer Cleverely/Fletcher since they are already here. Better to stick with the mediocrity you currently have then to bring in more mediocrity.
Like I said above, it's becoming alarmingly clear we cannot get away with playing the likes of Cleverley and Fletcher too much in the Premier League as we'll continue to struggle against mediocre sides. Blind was excellent in doing a job for van Gaal's Netherlands in the world cup, if he sees Blind as someone who can continue to do a job for his Manchester United then the transfer is a no brainer.
I do not thinkwe would be able to get away with playing Blind in midfield in the PL. He would just add to the problem.
One final point on Blind: Gary Neville made an excellent point last night on Sky when quizzed on how Manchester United could fit in Januzaj now di Maria is signing. Gary replied that the club shouldn't have to worry about fitting in all the players all the time, he used City's bench as an example, which included Aguero.
When exactly and how often did Blind play in midfield during the World Cup? I just saw all the starting lineups for every single game and he always started left wing back and one game he started as a centre back. If you are referring to him playing LB, then don't need another left back and if we are getting a centre back we need a top notch one to slot in the middle of defense.
We don't need any more players to come in here and "do a job". We need quality in the midfield asap, not squad level players which Blind is. He's not better than Carrick who would be fine as a back up or starter, Fellaini is most likely better than him as well. So why on earth would we spend £15-£20million on this guy, who would be 3rd/4th choice in MF?
As a squad player he would have been fine, but Rojo can cover CB/LB anyway.
As a squad player he would have been fine, but Rojo can cover CB/LB anyway.
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