Blind nears United return

Cape Town - Manchester United's Dutch star Daley Blind is on schedule to make a return to the playing field by the end of December.

According to the Daily Mail, Blind has removed the knee brace is likely to be gently nursed back onto the training field.

The midfielder's father, former Dutch international Danny Blind, told Metro Nieuws: "On Tuesday he had a scan. Everything looked fine on the scan. Daley can really begin rehabilitation now but is still on schedule,"

Blind injured his knee during the Netherland's fixture against Latvia on November 16.

The return of Blind is good news for Manchester United fans who saw Chris Smalling limp off against Southampton on Monday evening during the Red Devils lucky 2-1 win.

Smalling's injury was the 44th injury suffered by a Manchester United player this season.