Blind up for more cup glory

MANCHESTER United's FA Cup defence begins against Reading tomorrow, with Daley Blind describing the achievement of winning the competition last season as a highlight of his career.

The dramatic triumph over Crystal Palace in last May's final brought the trophy back to Old Trafford for the first time since 2004 and gave the Dutch defender his first taste of silverware with the Reds, following his move from Ajax in 2014.

Ahead of the third-round tie at Old Trafford, Blind told MUTV he would love another long FA Cup run.

"It's a very special feeling to win the FA Cup," he said.

"It's a big prize in England and you come to a club like United to win prizes. It was my second season at the club and I was very happy to lift the FA Cup.

"It's one of the highlights of my career."

Blind and his team-mates will enter this season's tournament in fine form after seven consecutive wins in all competitions, and the Dutchman is naturally determined to extend that sequence.

"When you're in a phase of winning games as we are now, the positive feeling gets better and better," he said.

"I think we're in great form now, and we have to keep that spirit going. It's a good feeling."

Meanwhile, United goalkeeper Sam Johnstone has joined Aston Villa on loan for the remainder of the season.

The 23-year-old has had previous spells with Scunthorpe United, Walsall, Yeovil Town, Doncaster Rovers and Preston North End and will relish the prospect of more first-team football.