Manchester United possess world-class attackers that should get opposition defenders quaking in their boots, feels Red Devils defender Chris Smalling.
“I think it would strike fear into myself if I was playing against them, and it strikes fear into most teams,” Smalling told reporters on the eve of their UEFA Champions League clash with FC Basel.
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Romelu Lukaku has made a fine start to life as a United player as the Belgian is in double figures already. The Red Devils have scored an impressive 27 times in in 12 Premier League games, with wide-men Marcus Rashford and Anthony Martial chipping in as well. Only Manchester City (40) have scored more than times than them in the English top-flight.
Veteran striker Zlatan Ibrahimovic has returned from a long-term knee injury to give Jose Mourinho more options up top. And the return of Paul Pogba from a hamstring complaint has galvanised the Red Devils, who thrashed Newcastle United 4-1 on the weekend.
“Obviously we’ve got Paul (Pogba) back too, who’s a very attacking midfielder, and along with Ibra and all those other names it just gives us so many options and no matter what game it is, no matter what competition it is, we’ve got a front three or four who can cause the opposition problems. So if we keep it tight at the back, more often that not, we’re going to win the game,” Smalling stated with confidence.
When asked whether he was surprised to be left out of Gareth Southgate’s England squad for the friendlies against Germany and Brazil, the United defender replied, “Was I surprised (to be left out)? Yes, I was. But you don’t play for one of the biggest clubs in the world for as long as I have, and probably won the most trophies, bar the Champions League, without being a top defender, who can play and defend.”
United trail runaway leaders Manchester City by eight points in the Premier League but their performances in Europe have been impressive as the Red Devils are one of the few teams to boast of a 100% record after four games played.
Their defence has been extremely stingy and the 27-year-old Smallling, who plays at centre-back was understandably proud of their record as he effused, “I think, this year, we’ve got one of the best defensive records and I’m very proud to be a part of that. While I’m playing under Jose, and I’m playing regularly, I’m happy with that.”
“I play under one of the biggest, most successful managers in Jose, and he’s only going to pick the best players. So, while I’m playing regularly and he’s happy, and my season carries on like this, and we have a successful season and our team concedes very few goals – it maybe gives him no choice in the summer, but to pick me,” Smalling added.