Manchester United manager Louis van Gaal has hinted that Daley Blind could be deployed in the centre of defence for the Red Devils next season.

Holland international Blind was mainly used as a left wingback and on the left side of midfield last season but could feature in central defence alongside Phil Jones or Chris Smalling according to the Dutch tactician.

"It could be, it could be," Van Gaal said from the club's pre-season tour of the USA when asked if Blind could play in the centre of defence next.

"Marcos Rojo is not here, he shall come on July 25. I want to play always with a left-footed central defender and he can do the job. Maybe he shall play. But other players can play there."

Van Gaal believes that Blind is the perfect left-footed player to challenge Rojo for the role in the defence.

"Last year I played with [Phil] Jones and [Chris] Smalling in that position. Even [Paddy] McNair has played there," he added.

"But my preference is always a left-footed central defender. In Rojo and Blind, we have two players who can play there."