Manchester United's Daley Blind has hit back at those questioning the decision to play him at centre-back, insisting he is "clever enough and smart enough" for the position.
Blind, seen more regularly in midfield or at left-back in his first campaign with United last term, was used as a central defender in the Red Devils' 2015-16 Barclays Premier League opener against Tottenham on Saturday.
There has been plenty of debate about his suitability for the role.
And after helping his side to a 1-0 victory in the game at Old Trafford, the 25-year-old Holland international told MUTV: "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."
Source: PA
