Smalling delighted with Ferguson's hands

Manchester United new defender Chris Smalling is happy to have a manager in the shape of Sir Alex Ferguson who has such a positive track record when it comes to working with youngsters.

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."


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Smalling Ready to Replace Ferdinand

United fans could be forgiven for forgetting that two new players were on the club's pre-season tour, such was the excitement about Javier Hernandez's goalscoring start to life as a Red.

But at six feet five inches tall, Chris Smalling is not used to being overshadowed and there were signs that he could too emerge as a great acquisition. United legend Paddy Crerand kept a close eye on the former Fulham defender during the tour and noted his contributions at both ends of the pitch.

"If Smalling does play in the first team, he will be a threat at corner kicks because he is six feet five tall, he's good in the air. He's quite willing to go and put his head in there," said Crerand on his weekly programme for MUTV.

The new centre-back notched his first goal for the Reds with a brave header against Chivas in Mexico, a goal that cancelled out Chicharito's poetic opener for the home side. He enjoyed the moment and will hope for more as his United career moves on.

"I was more surprised than anything, I didn't have a mad celebration," Smalling told MUTV.

Any additions from Smalling would therefore be welcome but first he will have to concentrate on the day job - and climb the pecking order for places.

"He's only 20, so he's a kid really," continued Crerand, " and it was a big step up for him to play all the games on tour at United's standard. I think Sir Alex gave Smalling all those games on tour to get his confidence up and try and fit him into the team.

"Sometimes when you go into the first team at a young age and you don't know any of the players, you can be a little bit shy at times and not want to say anything. But when you've played a few games, you have to speak, particularly if you're a central defender. You have to take responsibility.

"Smalling did alright on tour but Jonny Evans is obviously ahead of him, as are Rio Ferdinand and Nemanja Vidic of course."

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Christopher Lloyd Smalling Biograf

Popularly known as Chris Smalling. He Born 22 November 1989 in Greenwich, London. Smalling started playing football at the age of nine for Walderslade Boys. He is a new player Manchester United the newly imported from Fulham On 26 January 2010. He is also played for England Under-20 team.

After failing to settle at any football league academy, Smalling opted to continue his education at Chatham Grammar School for Boys. Whilst still at school he played for Isthmian League side Maidstone United. At the age of 17, Smalling made his competitive debut for 'The Stones', starting against Canvey Island in the Isthmian League Cup.

In June 2008 Smalling signed for Premier League side Fulham. He was made captain of the club's Development Squad by manager Billy McKinlay.
Manchester United announced that they had signed Smalling, with the player staying at Fulham for the remainder of the 2009–10 season before joining United for 2010–11.


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