Manchester United Winners and Losers if Van Gaal Stays
Winner: Daley Blind
The versatile central midfielder turned defender might be the most under-appreciated player in the current Manchester United squad. Louis van Gaal, however, has obviously taken notice of his services, choosing to play him in nearly all matches this season – almost to the point of exhaustion.
Where other managers might be perturbed by a lack of dominance in a specific position, Blind has been able hold his own wherever he’s been deployed. His tactical awareness and understanding of the game compensate for what he lacks physically, something that should earn him praise but has often gone unnoticed.
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Under any other manager, the 26-year-old would likely be judged as a benchwarmer, not fit to break into the starting team. But after Phil Jones went down early in the season, Blind has since been an integral part of the squad. Were Jose Mourinho to take over, he would likely bring in a different center back to pair with Chris Smalling, effectively ending his current partner’s impressive run.
Next: Loser: Ander Herrera