Reuters/London
Manchester United defender Chris Smalling hailed manager Louis van Gaal as the reason behind his upturn in form and believes he is now playing the best football of his career.
Smalling has struggled for consistency since joining United from Fulham in 2010 but the 25-year-old has flourished under Van Gaal this season, making 22 Premier League appearances.
Smalling, part England’s squad to travel to Turin to play Italy in a friendly on Tuesday, gave an assured performance alongside Phil Jones in United’s 3-0 win over Liverpool last weekend and is now targeting a successful end to the season. “The manager has shown a lot of faith in me. Especially over the last couple of months,” Smalling told a news conference on Sunday ahead of the Italy game.
“The manager has chosen me and I am enjoying my football. I think he is very honest. He says what you are doing very well and what you can improve. He has real belief in you.
“We have got another eight games, so we will look to finish as strong as we can.”
Smalling’s contract is set to expire at the end of next season and media reports have linked him with a move away from United, but the former Fulham defender hopes his long-term future is at Old Trafford. “I have always enjoyed playing for United, especially at the minute,” he said. “If I can contribute then I am happy to stay as long as they want me.”
Fourth-placed United host Aston Villa in the Premier League on Saturday. Roy Hodgson’s contract runs to the end of Euro 2016 and Smalling would like to see the England manager stay on beyond that tournament. Hodgson signed Smalling for Fulham seven years ago and the defender is a big fan of the 67-year-old.
‘Ever since I have worked with Roy, he has shown faith in all the players, especially the younger players,’ Smalling said.
‘We have all enjoyed training with him and obviously he is focusing on until next summer. I would be very happy to work with him for a longer period.’
Hodgson maintained his 100 per cent post-World Cup record on Friday when England beat Lithuania 4-0 at Wembley.
The Three Lions will make it eight wins in a row if they beat Italy in Turin on Tuesday.
Smalling thinks Hodgson has turned England into a fearsome team since their World Cup debacle. ‘A lot of teams will be frightened and hopefully on Tuesday we will show that,’ he said. ‘I think we are on the verge of something special. We are winning games. We are being ruthless and we are really together.’
Chris Smalling
