Blackett, who is currently on international duty with England Under-21s, has completed all three of United's Premier League fixtures so far this campaign after catching the eye in pre-season.

During his first press conference as manager, Van Gaal insisted he would not be afraid to give opportunities to the club's promising youngsters and Blackett is one of the first to benefit.

The 20-year-old had loan spells in the Championship with Blackpool and Birmingham last season, but says his chance at United hardly came as a surprise after featuring heavily during the summer.

"I've played in some good teams and it has been a good learning curve," he told The Sun Sunday.

"I sort of expected it after the way I played in pre-season. I know I did well and the team got some good results.

"The new manager always said he would be interested in young players and I knew that I was in with a chance."

On what Van Gaal is like as a manager, Blackett said: "He pushes us hard but he is quite relaxed. He seems to know when to be serious and when to have a laugh.

"He has some good banter with the lads, but he can be quite intimidating."

Blackett also hailed the influence of former United defender Rio Ferdinand, who joined QPR this summer after 12 years at Old Trafford.

"I still speak with him now and he texts me after games. He was always good with young players, especially defenders," said Blackett.

"He'd take me for training sessions on my own where he would give me tips on defending and what positions to take up."