Smalling: Reds' Benfica Boost

Chris Smalling insists United took plenty of positives from Wednesday night’s 1-1 draw against Benfica in Lisbon.

The Reds defender, who played 90 minutes at centre-back in Estadio da Luz, was pleased with the point and, in an exclusive chat with ManUtd.com, said the game acted as perfect preparation for Chelsea’s visit to Old Trafford on Sunday.

“It was disappointing to fall behind but even then I felt we had a lot of the ball and then [after Ryan Giggs’ equaliser] we kicked on in the second half. We were unfortunate not to get three points.

“But this looked, on paper, the hardest game in our group and even before we came here we would have looked at 1-1 as a good result. They have a good record in the Portuguese league and we knew they’d go into the game confident.”

And although United’s performance wasn’t as slick as some of those we’ve seen in the Barclays Premier League this season, Smalling was nevertheless impressed with how the Reds played in Lisbon.

“At times we really did dictate the play and show some authority. I felt we were the better team on the whole and we take a lot of confidence from that game as we head into Sunday’s match against Chelsea.

“That’s going to be a massive game. We knew it was going to be a big week but it’s one we’re all relishing.

“[Some people are already writing Chelsea off] but I wouldn’t say they’re too old to win the league. They’re definitely going to be up there or thereabouts. They’ve signed some good players and a lot of them will have fresh legs.”