Manchester United manager Louis van Gaal has reportedly decided to turn to Daley Blind to ease his central defensive issues.

For this afternoon's Premier League clash with Crystal Palace at Old Trafford, Van Gaal will be without the services of the injured trio Phil Jones, Marcos Rojo and Jonny Evans, while Chris Smalling is suspended.

Against Manchester City last week, Michael Carrick filled in alongside youngster Paddy McNair at the heart of the defence and that duo had been tipped to continue their partnership for the visit of Palace.

However, according to The People, Van Gaal will move holding midfielder Blind in alongside McNair, with Carrick taking on the Dutch international's role further up the pitch.

Summer signing Blind did occasionally play as a centre-back during his time with former club Ajax, as well as turning out at left-back.

Written by
Liam Apicella