Manchester United’s Chris Smalling believes he and the club have improved this season compared to the start of last year, when the team struggled early on and ended up chasing their rivals.
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Through six matches in the Premier League this campaign, United sit in second with 13 points, just two points back of league leaders Manchester City. The play, particularly in attack, has gotten dramatically better since the 1-0 win over Tottenham in the opener. Most recently, the 3-2 win over Southampton and 3-1 win over Liverpool have provided the goals supporters have been asking for with young star Anthony Martial taking all the headlines.
However, in defence it’s been a decent start to the season but individuals such as Smalling and Luke Shaw have stood out.
Smalling agrees with the sentiment that he has been superb, though he took a more modest approach to it when speaking to United Review:
"“Yeah I am happy that I have been able to play in every game so far and that is what my aim was at the beginning, especially after the disappointment of last season and the injuries that I had to start with.”“It has been nice to get a consistent run and I am enjoying my football at the minute. I would go with a seven out of 10 so far. There is definitely more to come. I am hoping that I can keep kicking on and improving each day, keep clocking up the games and contributing to the team.”"
United’s top centre-back currently rates himself as a ‘7/10’, despite showing perhaps his best run of form during his time with the club. Based off his evaluation, there should be room for improvement, but given his level of play this season I can’t see any areas that need the improvement.
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The English international has been composed on the ball in possession, even more so than we saw last season. With the addition of Daley Blind to the defensive ranks, the central defensive pair have been able to maintain game flow quite well.
Singling out some performances, Smalling has out-muscled and contended with Harry Kane and Christian Benteke, both who kept quiet at Old Trafford.
The vice-captain gave credit to manager Louis van Gaal for his part in the development. Smalling’s improvements have coincided with the Dutchman’s arrival at the club, and he’s taken notice:
"“He has helped me a lot. He is very honest about what your good points are and what you can improve on. That is very refreshing to hear. When he first joined the club he said that after six to eight months of working, when we know what he wants, then we will improve as a team.”“We have obviously improved on the start of last season and, as a player, I definitely feel that I have improved as well. I think he is a manager that improves a lot of players.”"
Additionally, on having worn the captain’s armband for Manchester United, Smalling commented:
"“It’s pretty surreal but it’s nice that the manager has shown faith in me, and he has so much trust in me. It’s nice to be rewarded and I hope to reward him back with good performances on the pitch.”"
The 25 year old has done everything to deserve being third in line to the captaincy. Both he and club have improved, forcing the manager to take a new outlook on the season after confessing earlier in the year that the team would likely finish in third, however Van Gaal has changed his tone to competing for the title.
Should the Red Devils good form continue they could push their city rivals and go on to win the Premier League but they will need to overcome Sunderland and a tough October first.