Daley Blind's midfield prowess is an excellent sign for Manchester United

Daley Blind (R) had a superb debut for Manchester United against QPR at Old Trafford

Even though Daley Blind wasn’t seen as the standout performer in Manchester United’s 4-0 win over QPR, any thoughts of his performance fading on the pitch were wiped out from our minds, courtesy of a luminous display by the Dutchman against a visibly tormented QPR side.

Angel Di Maria deservedly stole the spotlight on an otherwise rarely elated Old Trafford afternoon but Blind’s rock-solid and absolutely seamless performance stole the show. A rapturous applause was preserved for Colombian superstar Falcao by the Old Trafford faithful and the ecstatic faces of United fans was a welcome change for every United supporter across the globe. The win reinvigorated United’s season and gave them an impetus to go on and build on a winning streak.

The Dutch midfielder’s performance went unnoticed as far as the fans at the Theatre of Dreams are concerned, and I wouldn’t blame them for that too. When you look at the amount of attacking ammunition United have in their squad, it is extremely difficult to sit back and take notice of a holding midfielder, trying to break the opposition’s attack and linking play between the defence and midfield.

However, this is not the first time that the former Ajax man has gone unnoticed since his arrival at United. Prior to this match, Blind was unveiled alongside former Monaco striker Radamel Falcao and as inevitably, all the spotlight, questions and enthusiasm were focused on the new ‘Number 9’. Only a couple of questions (which were pretty polite) were asked to the baby-faced Dutchman with a mop of blond hair.

Momentous display against QPR

Coming back to his performance against QPR, one would wonder what it would take for the versatile Dutchman to misplace a pass. His left foot looked like it was made of steel as he made an astounding 107 passes to his team-mates; more than any other player on the pitch. Each and every pass looked deadly accurate, purposeful and confident.

Blind started at the base of a new look diamond formation in midfield, sat deep throughout the game, tackling, winning the ball from the opponent, occasionally making forward runs, delivering pinpoint passes and winning aerial duels with lots of serenity.

It seemed as though he had been in the team for years; so seamless was the Dutchman’s performance. The heat map below demonstrates how Blind sat deep in midfield and allowed his teammates to run riot in front of goal.

Only 4% of his touches (a total of six) came in the final third

Blind’s position gave United license to attack

Blind sat doggedly at the base of a four man midfield, sticking to his defensive midfield position in spite of United’s ruthless attacks. He was superb in his defensive duties as well. Only Jonny Evans made more defensive actions (clearances, blocks and interceptions) than Blind, who also made two tackles and won two aerial battles.

Both of Blind’s interceptions saw him smother attempts by QPR’s defence to play the ball into midfield; with the away side unable to get their midfield into the game, in large part due to Blind’s interventions.

There were questions as to how Van Gaal would accommodate all his midfielders in the starting eleven but the position of Blind on the pitch has given the other midfielders the freedom to move forward and concentrate on bombarding the opposition’s defence rather than worrying about protecting their own. The United manager has admitted that he loves the versatility offered by Blind on the pitch and was also quick to reiterate that he prefers him in a deep lying role.

Carrick's future in serious doubt?

Blind’s impact coupled with the claim made by Van Gaal has raised questions over the future of Michael Carrick, who has been ruled out due to injury. It would be cruel to replace a player like Carrick who has otherwise been the glue to a dysfunctional United midfield over the years.

However, you cannot deny that in games against the biggies in the business, Carrick is very often left chasing his own shadow. Timing may also play its part if at all Carrick is ousted from United’s starting eleven. Injury has robbed him of his chance to impress the Dutch maestro and United’s newfound policy and ambition in the transfer market hasn’t helped his case.

It would be extremely harsh on Carrick as he too would have longed to play alongside stars like Di Maria and Ander Hererra rather than Tom Cleverley and Anderson. But there is also a strong chance that Blind’s stability and consistent performances might block Carrick’s way back into the starting eleven for an entire season. Whatever happens in the end, two things are assured; exciting times for United fans and even more enticing performances from United’s latest acquisition to the squad, Daley Blind.