Twelve months ago, if you told Manchester United fans that Daley Blind would be playing in a Champions League semi-final this week, ‘crazy’ may be among the kinder insults thrown at you.
Blind’s struggles at Old Trafford meant a summer transfer was always expected, one that would be a step down - and his return to Ajax was seen as exactly that.
Yet, while Paul Pogba and co. will watch the battle for Europe’s ultimate prize from the comfort of their own homes, the 29-year-old Man Utd reject will take on Tottenham Hotspur for a place in the Champions League final.