Daley Blind set to play at centre-back for Manchester United after impressing in pre-season friendly

Daley Blind appears to have solved Louis van Gaal's defensive problem at Manchester United.

The Dutchman, who usually plays in central midfield, was deployed as a centre-back for United for their friendly against Club America in Seattle on Friday.

The 25-year-old started in a back four partnering Phil Jones in the 1-0 victory.

United were forced to call up Paddy McNair last season, the young Northern Irishman coming into the team after injuries to Chris Smalling, Phil Jones and Marcos Rojo.

Asked whether Blind would play more games at centre-back next season, Van Gaal replied: “It could be, it could be.

“Marcos Rojo is not here, he shall come on July 25. I want to play always with a left-footed central defender and he can do the job. Maybe he shall play. But other players can play there.

“Last year I played with Jones and Smalling in that position. Even McNair has played there. But my preference is always a left-footed central defender.

“In Rojo and Blind, we have two players who can play there.”