Manchester United man Daley Blind admits the 'derby' in Houston will be no friendly while backing a return for Zlatan Ibrahimovic: 'He makes everything better'

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Daley Blind believes Manchester United's upcoming pre-season clash with bitter rivals Manchester City will be much more than just an exhibition match to gain fitness ahead of the new campaign.

The Red Devils will take on their neighbours in front of an American crowd when they lock horns with City in Houston, Texas.

It will be the first ever Manchester derby played upon US soil, and Blind admits the certain feelings that the fixture evokes will still be present - despite the game itself counting for little.

Daley Blind is relishing the prospect of the first Manchester derby to take place in America

The Dutchman and his team-mates are out in the States for their annual summer tour

'It will be a friendly, it will be preseason… but from the inside everyone feels like it is a derby and it will always be that way,' Blind told NBC Sports. 

'It's something different, that's for sure. I think it's great. No doubt there will be lots of people coming to watch the game and it will give a great experience to every player.

'These are the games you want to play in with these teams. 

The derby always brings something extra, personally, and for everyone, so I think it will be a great game, experience and preparation for the season,' Blind added.

The Dutchman has also been thinking about his future will the club and, after nailing down a place in the plans of Jose Mourinho last season, admits he has had no thoughts about playing elsewhere.

'I have one more year left [on his contract] after this one and I am very happy at United. I play a lot of games and I am looking forward to the new season,' said Blind. 

'You have to ask the directors and the club, but of course, which player wouldn't want to stay at United?'

One man Blind would like to see back in the red of United is Zlatan Ibrahimovic

The striker was badly injured at the end of last season, but could yet still rejoin the club

But one man Blind would like to see wear the famous red shirt of United once more is Zlatan Ibrahimovic - a player who Mourinho has refused to rule out a return for.

'No doubt he would again be another big signing and last year he gave a big boost for the team,' the Dutchman said. 

'He is still a great player and great person and he makes everything better,' he added.

United's busy 2017 tour will see them face City in Houston before coming up against Real Madrid in California and Barcelona in Maryland. 

United's summer tour also sees them come up against Spanish duo Real Madrid and Barcelona