Smalling Puts Faith In Sir Alex

Chris Smalling is more than happy to place his burgeoning career in the hands of Sir Alex Ferguson, and says that he’ll take the chance to impress him whenever it arises.

"To have a manager who has faith in youngsters here is very positive,” Smalling said at a press conference to unveil United’s three summer signings, alongside Javier Hernandez and latest recruit Bebe.

Smalling joins a contingent of emerging talents at Old Trafford who are all trying to grab Sir Alex’s attention. "There's a crop of youngsters who are looking to have the manager's faith as the season goes on," he said. "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.”

Chris was playing non-league football only two years ago before being given his chance to step up to the big-time with Fulham in summer 2008. But this latest step is an equally lengthy leap. He has the likes of Rio Ferdinand (to whom he seems to be the natural successor) and Nemanja Vidic to learn his centre-half trade. He’s full of admiration but not overawed by his new team-mates.

"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 says. "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."