Manchester United confirm deal for Dutch star Daley Blind

Daley Blind celebrates after scoring for the Netherlands during the World Cup third place play-off match against Brazil on July 12, 2014. FILE PHOTO | VANDERLEI ALMEIDA |

What you need to know:

  • Blind, who can play as a defensive midfielder or in a left-sided role in defence, came through the Ajax youth system.
  • Blind's arrival takes van Gaal's spending since he took charge in the close-season to over £150 million.

LONDON

Manchester United sealed the signing of Netherlands star Daley Blind from Ajax for £14 million on Monday.

Blind had a medical with United over the weekend and has now put pen to paper on a four-year contract, including the option to extend for a further year.

The 24-year-old, who is the son of the former Ajax captain Danny Blind, links up again with United manager Louis van Gaal after working with the Dutchman when he was in charge of the Netherlands during the recent World Cup.

Blind, who can play as a defensive midfielder or in a left-sided role in defence, came through the Ajax youth system, making his senior debut in 2008 for his hometown club.

He has 19 caps for the Netherlands and was voted Dutch Player of the Year for the 2013-14 season.

'REAL HONOUR'

"It is a real honour to sign for Manchester United," Blind told United's website.

"I have been at Ajax since I was seven years old and I will always have very fond memories of the club and of my time there.

"Louis van Gaal is a tremendously talented coach, I have worked with him at Ajax and also for the Netherlands national team and I cannot wait to work with him at the biggest club in the world."

Blind's arrival takes van Gaal's spending since he took charge in the close-season to over £150 million, with Colombia striker Radamel Falcao also expected to sign on a season's loan from Monaco before the transfer window closes on Monday.

"I am delighted Daley has signed for the club," van Gaal added.

"He is a very intelligent and versatile footballer that can play in many positions.

"Daley is a great reader of the game, he has played under my philosophy over a number of years and he will be a great addition to the team."