MANCHESTER: Manchester United have agreed terms with Ajax Amsterdam for Netherlands international Daley Blind to return to the Dutch club, the Premier League team announced on Tuesday. The 28-year-old, who came through Ajax’s youth ranks and played over 100 games for the club, joined United in 2014 but has fallen out of favour under manager Jose Mourinho. British media reported that Blind would move for an initial fee of £14.1 million ($18.66 million), which could rise to £18.5 million based on performance, a club record for Ajax. The versatile Blind, who can play in several positions at the back and in midfield, joined United for about £14 million after featuring for his country at the 2014 World Cup. However, he has struggled to hold down a first-team spot at left back against England’s Ashley Young and there has also been a lot of competition for places in central defence. Blind, who has 54 caps, won the FA Cup in 2016 plus the Europa league and League Cup last year but he missed out on United’s FA Cup final defeat by Chelsea this year. The Dutchman was entering the final season of his five-year deal at United having made 90 league appearances in four years at Old Trafford, though he only featured seven times last term. Published in Daily Times, July 18th 2018.