Daley Blind ignoring Manchester United speculation during World Cup

Daley Blind

Ajax defender Daley Blind insists he is not thinking about reported interest from Manchester United during the World Cup, reports The Sport Review.

New Manchester United manager Louis van Gaal knows Blind very well from their time together with the Dutch national squad, and Blind’s excellent performance against Spain has only increased speculation that he could be moving to Old Trafford. The left-back, who can also play in midfield, made two assists in the 5-1 win against the defending champions, including setting up Robin van Persie for his spectacular lobbed header.

The 24-year-old, who is the son of former Ajax star Danny Blind, said: “All the attention is a very big thing now, but I try not to think about it too much and will stay with my feet on the ground,” said Blind.

“The link with Manchester United is easily made because Robin [van Persie] is playing there and Louis van Gaal takes over next season.”

United had been expected to sign Luke Shaw for £27 million as a long-term replacement for Patrice Evra, but that deal has stalled, and the club are now believed to be making alternative plans in the event the move does fall through.

Blind assisted two of the Netherlands’ goals in the 5-1 demolition of Spain in their opening game.

Daley Blind played more key passes (36) than any other defender in the Eredivisie last season.