Smalling Rates Selection Policy

Chris Smalling believes Sir Alex has laid down a marker with his team selection policy.

The boss was delighted with his younger players' performance in the second half of the Community Shield and repaid the likes of Smalling, Tom Cleverley and Danny Welbeck with starts at West Brom.

Smalling, who played at right-back in the impressive 2-1 victory, feels it was a significant message to send out from the manager as the champions bid to win a record 20th title.

"It's unfortunate to see your big players go down injured," he told MUTV. "But, the manager has shown all pre-season he's willing to give the young players a go and he's thrown them in to big games. So it's great to see them step up.

"Everyone's really gelling and, with Jonny [Evans] and people coming in like Fabio, it's great to see.

"If you do well, the manager will keep you in the team. It's a big marker to all the other players and the rest of the squad that, if you play well, it doesn't matter how old you are. If you've got that ability, the manager is going to put you in."

Smalling is learning his trade by being tested at full-back in a deliberate ploy by Sir Alex, but is convinced his future remains in the centre of defence. England Under-21 colleague Phil Jones is also showing his versatility by filling the two roles.

"Phil and I have played in pre-season, swapping centre-back and right-back as the manager wants us to show we can play in those two different positions," he stated. "When people are injured, if and when we need to step in.

"I'd rather play centre-back as it's my main position. It's where I'll aim to play many of my games this season but the manager feels I can help in there, if and when I'm needed. Hopefully, I'll get as many games at centre-back as I can."