The Italy global enjoyed his first outing under the new boss when coming on as a second-half substitute during Saturday night’s 5-2 victory over Galatasaray at Ullevi Stadium in Sweden. The Spanish goalkeeper won the Player of the Year award at the club for the past three seasons, which helps to show his role at the club during that time.
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Jose Mourinho’s arrival placed the future of some United players in doubt but Blind has played down any notion he could be on his way out.
And De Gea has been impressed by what he has seen of his new teammate in training and on the pitch so far.
United signed Ibrahimovic on a free transfer earlier this summer following his exit from PSG, joining Eric Bailly and Henrikh Mkhitaryan in moving to Old Trafford, while a world-record deal is also expected to be completed for Juventus star Paul Pogba.
Blind was one of Man United’s most important players previous year under Louis van Gaal having made over 50 appearances and moulded himself into a solid centre-back, despite it not being his natural position.
“I think he will settle in very quickly”.
De Gea told MUTV: “It’s really good to have Zlatan already here, training with the team”. “Of course there were a lot of things that happened last season, but I am looking forward and this season is going to be very important for me. It is good to have this joy and I can’t wait to start the season”.
“You just have to be ready for when the manager gives you a chance”.
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Arindam is ESPN FC’s Manchester United correspondent. Manchester United have the winning mentality back, the fear factor is coming back – which will make this season a must to return to the top of the league.
