Chris Smalling at the last chance saloon at Manchester United
Off the back of an underwhelming season under Jose Mourinho, questions have been raised on the future of Chris Smalling at Manchester United.
The past two seasons have been a case of one step forward, two steps back for Smalling. In Louis van Gaal’s final season at United Smalling enjoyed his best season to date, making 55 appearances across all competitions and becoming an indispensable part of United’s defence. Last season, however, he dropped down the pecking order and showed indifferent form whenever called upon.
Granted, injuries hampered his season and caused Smalling to miss 21 games on the whole, only making his comeback from the latest injury 3 weeks before the Europa League final. To Smalling’s credit, Mourinho trusted him with a starting spot in the fixture ahead of Phil Jones, both just returning from a long lay-off, and the manager’s faith was repaid with a strong showing.
In spite of that, Mourinho was clearly still unhappy with his options at the back and that’s why he has signed Victor Lindelof from Benfica. Upon Lindelof’s arrival, there is a growing sense among United supporters that one of their centre-backs will be moved on soon and it may well be Smalling. Although there is no shortage of suitors, it is difficult to see him being let go this summer.
Limited options
Eric Bailly is the only undisputed first-choice at central defence so that leaves at least one spot open for others to compete. Even though Lindelof is seen as his ideal long-term partner, he needs time to settle. Judging from the Swede’s performances in the pre-season, it may take quite a while, too.
Another option, Marcos Rojo, is out until the end of the year while Mourinho seems to have his reservations about Daley Blind so at the moment, strength in depth is not a phrase we could use to describe United’s situation at centre-half. Phil Jones represents Smalling’s biggest hurdle to a first-team berth but his inability to stay injury-free over the course of the season might well work in Smalling’s favour.
Smalling is currently the most senior centre-back in the squad, having joined United in 2010, and therefore, his experience will be crucial in the title run-in, which is expected of United in the coming season. If Smalling can rediscover his 2015/16 form which made him such a rock at the back, he will be as good as a new signing for the manager.
The case for 3 at the back
Mourinho toyed with the idea of playing a back-three towards the end of last season and has continued using it in the pre-season. Although the results have been a mixed bag, his persistence indicates that he sees it as a viable alternative for certain games, should the need arise.
Implementing a new system always takes time because players need to adjust their positioning and the way they move the ball. This is where Smalling holds the upper hand. In contrast with Bailly and Lindelof, Smalling has had an extensive experience of featuring in a back-three under the previous manager van Gaal. Although the system was eventually scrapped, it was for offensive rather than defensive reasons. Defensively, United were tight at the back with Smalling playing in the centre.
The UEFA Super Cup tie against Real Madrid showed how the squad is still trying to adapt to the new formation. The fact that Smalling was the only component of the back-three to emerge with some credits after the game just goes to prove the value in keeping him around.
Next: UEFA Super Cup Recap: Manchester United 1-2 Real Madrid
On the brink
Letting Smalling go before the end of the transfer window would leave United and Mourinho bereft of a useful player with a handful of experience. Having said that, there is no denying that he is on his last chance to prove his worth to the manager. Turning 28 in November, time is running short for Smalling and failure to perform consistently over the next 6 months may see United cut their losses on him sooner rather than later.