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Daley Blind believes he is good enough to be Manchester United’s regular centre-back this season.

The 25-year-old was a surprise choice at centre-half during United’s pre-season tour of the United States.

And with Marcos Rojo still regaining his match fitness, the Dutchman kept his place alongside Chris Smalling for the opening-day win over Tottenham at Old Trafford on Saturday.

Blind primarily played in midfield and left-back last season after arriving from Ajax last summer.

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Van Gaal has been criticised by some fans for keeping faith with 5ft 11ins Blind in the centre of defence rather than splashing out on a new signing.

The United manager has suggested he’s happy to go into the new season with just Smalling, Phil Jones, Rojo and Blind as his centre-backs to keep his preferred left-foot right-foot combinations.

Blind admits he doesn’t have the physical presence of a traditional centre-back.

But he insists he’s ‘clever enough and smart enough’ to keep the Premier League’s best strikers in check.

See how United fans rated Daley Blind against Spurs.

He 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.”

After starting against Tottenham, Blind is set to keep his place for Friday night’s trip to Villa Park to face Aston Villa.

Tim Sherwood’s side beat Bournemouth on Saturday thanks to a powerful header from Rudy Gestede, their new £6m signing from Blackburn.

Despite his size, Blind insists he’s not fazed by the challenge of facing the Premier League’s physical strikers.

And he pointed to how he handled Harry Kane, with the help of Smalling, as evidence that he can be a long-term option at centre-back this season.

He added: “If you see our opponent (against Tottenham), he’s very good.

“He wins a lot of headers and duels in the striking position so it’s not only about power and force.

“I think we did well at the back, together with Chris, Luke and Matteo and we get a clean sheet so I was happy.”

MORE: Van Gaal says he could move to Memphis Depay onto the left wing.