Although likely to be something of a fringe player this season, Smalling, who was playing non-league football just two years ago before joining Fulham and then United, is happy to to take the chance to impress when he is selected.

"To have a manager who has faith in youngsters here is very positive," the defender told reporters at an Old Trafford press conference.

"There's a crop of youngsters who are looking to have the manager's faith as the season goes on.

"There are many games and if we all work hard from day to day we can take that chance when it comes. I think the chances are there if you're working hard."
Smalling is also looking forward to working with some of the great players who have progressed through the ranks at the club.

"When you go out on the training field there's a bunch of players who have played the game at the highest level and I think that spurs you on," he added.

"I'm just starting out in my career, and seeing the players here who’ve established themselves and had the consistency to play at this level for many years, that's obviously an aim for myself."


More about Chris Smalling Click Here