The Netherlands have fired Danny Blind as manager following their qualifying defeat by Bulgaria.

Blind was manager of the team for just 20 months and 18 matches.

Blind took over the national team from Guus Hiddink in July 2015 but was unable to lead the team to Euro 2016.

Blind said it was “a pity” his stint in charge of the national team had come to such a sorry end.

Blind’s son Daley, the Manchester United defender, paid tribute to his father in a post on Instagram. “Worked at the highest level, a dream for both of us as father and son,” he said. “It was not easy and it has not always been that, but I’m proud of how you’ve always taken responsibility and never gave up!”