I can perform at centre-back – Manchester United’s Daley Blind

Blind, who spent most of his debut season at United playing in midfield or at left-back, admits that he lacks the physicality of a traditional centre-back, but feels that he can compensate upstairs.

But he insists he’s “clever enough and smart enough” to keep the Premier League’s best strikers in check.

Daley Blind has responded to the debate about his move to centre-back this season by explaining how he uses his intelligence to adapt to performing in the role.

He is quoted by The Sun as saying: “I got a chance on this occasion and I tried my best“.

Speaking on the issue of his physical ability, which many believe is not adequate for a defender, the former Ajax player added that he is smart and clever enough to cancel out his physical inadequacies.

He added: “The small-sided games because there is a fun element to them and there’s also the competitive angle where you want to impress and get in the team”.

Tim Sherwood’s side beat Bournemouth on Saturday thanks to a powerful header from Rudy Gestede, their new £6m signing from Blackburn.

The new white away shirt was modelled by first-teamers Ander Herrera, Juan Mata, Daley Blind and Ashley Young, who will wear the new shirt for the first time in Friday’s trip to Villa Park.

“If you see our opponent today, he’s very good; he wins a lot of headers and duels in the striking position so it’s not only about power and force”.

“I think we did well at the back, together with Chris, Luke (Shaw) and Matteo (Darmian) and we get a clean sheet so I was happy”, he said.