Blind targeting strong finish

DALEY Blind is confident Manchester United can finish their season of “ups and downs” strongly.

United remain in two cup contests, facing Liverpool away tomorrow then at home a week later in the first and second legs of their Europa League last–16 tie - either side of Sunday’s FA Cup quarter–final against West Ham at Old Trafford.

In the Barclays Premier League they are still in the hunt for a top–four spot, though hopes suffered a blow with defeat by West Brom that left them sixth, three points behind fourth–placed City, who also have a game in hand.

The defeat at The Hawthorns followed a run of wins that suggested United’s season was finally finding its rhythm.

Blind, who has been playing in the centre of United’s defence, admits it has been mixed season, but is feeling positive: “I think we are improving as a team and can move on from here,” he said.

“The most important thing is this team sticks together. We have done all season, even when we’ve had bad results. That shows the strength of the dressing room. A top–four finish isn’t out of reach. We have players coming back from injuries, which gives us a bigger squad again.”