• Premier League

Honesty is Van Gaal's best quality, says Blind

Manchester United midfielder Daley Blind says honesty is Louis van Gaal's best quality as a manager.

Blind joined United for around £14 million last summer having already spent time working under his fellow Dutchman with the Netherlands at the World Cup in Brazil.

He told Inside United: "I really admire that he's always himself. He's always really honest to everyone about his ideas and what he wants.

"I think that's a good thing in a person because you know where you stand as a player. That's what I really admire about him."

The 24-year-old revealed Dutch compatriot Robin van Persie, who left Swansea on crutches following United's defeat in Wales on Saturday, helped him settle quickly at Old Trafford following his switch from Ajax.

Blind added: "When I came Robin van Persie helped me a lot in the beginning. My English was okay so I could understand everyone, although sometimes it's difficult with the accent of some players. Everyone has been great with me and gave me a warm welcome, I felt good from the beginning."

While United remain a point clear of Southampton in fourth place, the loss to Swansea gave other rivals a chance to close the gap - Liverpool moved with two points of Van Gaal's side following a 2-0 victory over the Saints on Sunday -while it was the latest in a string of inconsistent performances.

Blind's team-mate Juan Mata believes United must now repay their fans - starting with Saturday's home clash against Sunderland - if they are to achieve Van Gaal's aim of Champions League football next season.

Mata wrote in his official blog: "I honestly think we were close to bringing home the three points [at Swansea], especially because the feelings on the pitch at the start of the second half were good.

"We played almost all the time in Swansea's half of the pitch, but we weren't able to take any chances and we all know that football can be capricious.

"Sometimes you win games that you don't deserve to win and other times, and I think this is the case, you just don't get what you deserve. That's football.

"Now we must stand up again, look ahead and make it up to our fans this weekend at Old Trafford against Sunderland. As I keep saying every week, and now even more, it is vital to win games.

"Our main rivals don't slow down and the race for the Champions League spots is closer than ever. We are approaching the most important moment of the season and we must deliver in order to get our goals."

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