Smalling Can End Defender Drought

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.

"It was great to get a goal and hopefully I can chip in over the season. The manager has stressed that centre-backs chipping in from corners can be a real bonus to the team."

Goals from defenders were all too rare last season, with only three registered in 56 league and cup games. John O'Shea was playing at right-back when he scored away at Stoke City, Rafael was operating from the same position when he netted in the 5-0 thrashing of Wigan while Nemanja Vidic was the only centre-back to score, in the 3-0 home win over Wolves.

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."