Former Manchester United defender Daley Blind feels he learned a lot from Jose Mourinho during their two years together at Old Trafford.
Blind arrived from Ajax in 2014 and won four major trophies in as many seasons at the club, including the Europa League - which was claimed following a 2-0 success over his boyhood club.
The Netherlands international, who played in defence and midfield for United, scored six times in 141 appearances before returning to Amsterdam last month.
Mourinho paid a glowing tribute to Daley after his transfer was confirmed, describing the 28-year-old as one of the most professional players he has worked with throughout his entire managerial career.
“I would like to say a big thank you to Daley Blind for everything he has done for the club since he joined in 2014,” Jose told ManUtd.com. “I have to say that in my 18 years of management, Daley is one of the most professional players, both on and off the pitch, that I have had the pleasure to work with.”
Blind has now returned the sentiment, by reflecting warmly on his experience of working under Jose at Old Trafford.
“I almost played 150 matches and won four trophies,” Daley told reporters in the Netherlands this week. “I had a very beautiful time [at United] and had many nice moments there.
“I am very grateful to the fans. I worked very nicely with Mourinho.”
Blind was part of the United team that won three trophies during Mourinho's first season in charge.
The Dutchman has reiterated that Jose knows what it takes to win silverware.
“I learned a lot from him,” Daley added. “He is a winner and he can project that very well on a group.”
HOW IS DALEY DOING AT AJAX?
Blind has made five competitive appearances since returning to his boyhood club in Amsterdam, helping them to reach the UEFA Champions League group stage by winning a couple of qualifying rounds against Sturm Graz and Standard Liege. Playing at centre-back, he also started their opening match of the Eredivisie season, which resulted in a 1-1 draw with Heracles Almelo.
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