“I’m not really working on scoring so much” – Daley Blind
You’ve had time to settle into English football now – what are the similarities and differences between football in the Premier League and Eredivisie?
The biggest difference is the Premier League is played at a much higher tempo. In Holland you have some points in a game when you can say ‘okay, let’s have a rest for a few minutes and play the ball around!’ [Laughs]. When I played my first games here, I noticed the difference and was a little tired! The tempo is definitely much higher here.
Is the high tempo one of the most enjoyable features of the English game?
Yes. That’s one of the things I like and also every team in the Premier League is capable of winning against the other team. It’s a higher level and higher tempo. In Holland only really four or five teams are fighting with each other [for the title] – there is a big difference with the rest.
What about Manchester – how much do you enjoy life off the pitch here?
I like it. I live in the city and I love to live in cities. It was the same when I lived in Amsterdam too. I love the crowd and buzz around me. My girlfriend really likes it here too. The city is nice and we are enjoying it. When I first signed I went away with the national team so I sent my mum and my girlfriend to look at some houses and told them to send me some photos if they found one they liked! We wanted to make a decision on one as soon as possible so we weren’t in a hotel for so long. I didn’t look at many houses, I left it to my girlfriend!
Did she make a good choice?
Yes, a great choice!
And how do you feel you’ve bonded with the supporters so far?
Things feel great. I definitely feel their trust and their faith in me and I hope I can pay them back in every game. I want to work hard and show them what I’m capable of. I’m definitely feeling good here and I want to thank the fans for that.
What have you made of the away support in particular?
It’s great to see there are so many United fans at every away game – it’s difficult to describe their support. Every game they are there, whether it’s home or away. I think I speak for the squad when I say we have to thank them for their support in every match.
Considering you’re not renowned as a goalscorer, it didn’t take you long to get off the mark here, scoring in the draw at West Brom…
Yeah, I remember we were 2-1 behind. I’d tried a few shots on goal before that but they had been blocked. I just decided to go again when the ball rolled into me and I tried to place it in the goal. I was very happy to see it go in.
Are goals more of a bonus to your overall game and role within the team?
I’m not really working on scoring so much but I can definitely work on it more! [Laughs]. Normally I’m a passing player and I think that’s why for my first goal I tried to pass it into the net.
You’ve said you enjoy working with Louis van Gaal. What is it about his methods that you specifically admire?
I really admire that he’s always himself. He’s always really honest to everyone about his ideas and what he
wants. I think that’s a good thing in a person because you know where you stand as a player. That’s what I really admire about him.
How have you integrated with your new team-mates at United?
When I came Robin van Persie helped me a lot in the beginning but my English was okay so I could understand everyone, although sometimes it’s difficult with the accent of some players! Everyone has been great with me and gave me a warm welcome, I felt good from the beginning.
Finally, what’s been the most enjoyable thing so far about being a Manchester United player?
The most enjoyable thing is walking on the pitch. That feeling is always very special.
Order your copy of Inside United for the full interview, plus features on a record number of 2014/15 debuts, and Michael Carrick talking about his home town before the Reds face Newcastle.
