SANTA CLARA, Calif. -- After joining Manchester United early last season, Daley Blind is feeling the benefit of playing a full part in the club's preseason preparations for the upcoming campaign.
Blind signed for United from Ajax in September last year, having played for the Netherlands at the World Cup, and he went straight into a Premier League season.
One year later, he has started each of United's three friendlies so far, including Saturday's 3-1 win against Barcelona, and he said he's pleased that almost all of the club's first-team squad has been together in the United States.
"It's nice to be there in preseason and be here at the tour," Blind said. "Getting fitter every day and every week so you're working to the start of the season and it's nice to have the group together, [except for] the Argentinean guys so it feels good to be here."
Angel Di Maria, Marcos Rojo and Javier Hernandez have been the only absentees -- Hernandez arrived in the U.S. on Saturday -- from a tour which has seen United beat Club America and the San Jose Earthquakes, as well as the European champions.
Meanwhile, Blind, who has been utilised exclusively in central defence in the U.S., insists he is pleased to do whatever is asked of him by United manager Louis van Gaal.
"I already said many times I play where the manager needs me," he said. "Now he gives me the chance on this position and I try to do my best. I played there before so I know what is asked of playing the position and I think I did well today."
Blind's consistency of preseason position is in contrast to his first season at Old Trafford, which saw him play in central midfield, as well as in the middle of defence and at left-back. The 25-year-old looked back with pride of his debut campaign at United.
"I think for me it was a good season," said Blind. "I played a lot of games, it was all a new experience but I think I played well. Of course there were some games where I had my difficulties but overall I think it was a good season for me."