Blind and Bailly forging ‘strong’ United partnership

Manchester United may be down to the bare bones at centre-back, but Daley Blind insists his partnership with Eric Bailly is developing fast despite being thrust together by Jose Mourinho.

The Dutchman is the ultimate utility player, capable of operating in a variety of positions across the back four and midfield – without ever really finding a true home.

Former boss Louis van Gaal favoured his compatriot at centre-back but Jose Mourinho has opted for a more physical defensive pairing.

However, with Chris Smalling, Phil Jones and Marcos Rojo all on the sidelines, Blind has been asked to step up and – so far – he and Bailly have worked well, keeping out Manchester City in Thursday’s Manchester derby.

Photo by Michael Steele/Getty Images

And Blind says he is happy alongside Bailly or any other United defender as Mourinho’s men continue to fight for a top-four place.

“I think it works out really well, in spite of the language [barrier]! We do a great job, and we understand each other,” he said.

“Not only us, but when I play with any of the other central defenders, I think the whole team knows what we have to do, and you can see that in the low number of goals we have against us this year. I’m happy with my performances and want to keep going.

“I’m always ready, if the manager asks me to do something. I’m always ready to play in midfield and I feel very good and comfortable in the centre-back position too. I will do whatever the manager asks and needs of me and do my best.”