Smalling: We Must Win Group

Chris Smalling has set his sights on helping United top Group C after the Reds sealed qualification to the Champions League knockout stages after beating Rangers 1-0 at Ibrox.

Victory over the Scottish champions sends Sir Alex Ferguson’s side through to the second round with one game to spare, at home to Valencia next month. However, with the top two group positions still in the balance, Smalling believes victory over the Spanish giants is imperative.

“I think it's essential because a lot of the top teams are top of their groups so hopefully we can get top of our group and maybe miss that first round against one of the stronger teams,” he told MUTV. “Eventually we will have to beat whoever lies in our path but hopefully we can make the first knockout stage a little bit easier for ourselves.”

A fifth clean sheet against Rangers leaves United just 90 minutes away from becoming the first ever team to progress from the group stage without conceding a goal. Smalling, who has started all but one of the five games thus far, is positive the Reds can continue their fine defensive form.

“It is brilliant, especially in the group stages where it is about getting through as early as possible," he continued: "As a centre back it is what you want and we are getting the goals at the other end so it’s definitely looking onwards and upwards for us.”

The England U21 star also revealed his satisfaction towards a hard-earned result against a stubborn Rangers side. “We knew what game plan and formation they tend to play in the Champions League so we what we were up against. We felt the emphasis was to move the ball quickly and I felt we did that tonight.

“I felt the goal was coming for the whole game, even at half-time the manager suggested that we just do the same because we were moving the ball quickly and the goal came in the end. I think it was a well deserved result.”