Manchester United’s biggest game over the last few years is less than a week away now, with the Red Devils preparing to take on Ajax in the Europa League final. For the winner, there is a trophy, as well as a spot in the Champions League next season.
It wasn’t that long ago when Jose Mourinho confirmed that Sergio Romero would keep his place for the Stockholm showpiece, now, we have all but been given a second starter.
The man in question is Daley Blind. Before United’s game against Southampton, Jose Mourinho was asked about whether any players can force their way into the starting XI for the game.
“Of course yes,” Mourinho told Sky, quoted by the Manchester Evening News. “This is what they have been doing.”
“Bailly is out so who plays, Smalling or Jones?”
By stating that one of only Jones or Smalling plays in place of Eric Bailly, that means he has already decided Daley Blind will start at the heart of defence. The versatile Dutchman has had to play back there quite a lot recently, largely due to the injuries suffered by both of the aforementioned duo.
To be brutally honest, this scares me. Blind just isn’t tall enough, or fast enough to do the job of a modern day centre-back. Alright, his positional sense is excellent but aside from that, I have to admit I’m concerned.
Ajax have a young, athletic and quick team, and their front three could potentially cause Blind heaps of problems. I just hope that the Holland international gets off to a good start, and hopefully, from there, he’ll build up the confidence to have a good game.
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