Daley Blind confident he can excel in Manchester United's defence

Manchester United player Daley Blind has insisted that he is good enough to play at centre-back this season.

The Dutchman was initially signed as a centre-midfielder last year, but he also had spells at left-back last term.

However, he has played centre-back in pre-season, and lined up alongside Chris Smalling at the heart of the defence as United beat Tottenham Hotspur on the first day of the new campaign.

Blind is quoted as saying by Sky Sports News: "I've said many times before that I just want to play. If you see what everyone can add to the team, then it's a real battle for places and everyone had to fight for a position.

"I got a chance on this occasion and I tried my best. Of course, people always say I don't have the height or the power but I think I'm clever enough and smart enough.

"I think we did well at the back, together with Chris [Smalling], Luke [Shaw] and Matteo [Darmian], and we got a clean sheet so I was happy."

United next face Aston Villa on Friday.