Smalling Hails Squad Resilience

Chris Smalling believes the way the Reds have dealt with injury adversity this season says it all about the determination to succeed in the current squad.

The defender jokes that the Reds have "probably had enough injuries for most of the teams in this league" over the course of the campaign.

For the first time in a long time Sir Alex has a virtually fully fit squad, bar long-term absentees Nemanja Vidic and Darren Fletcher. Anderson, Nani and Michael Owen are still working on their recovery from set-backs although the latter pair were due to return to training this week.

Smalling says the players have never let injury set-backs get them down and has praised Sir Alex's selection planning as being key to sustaining a challenge in the title race.

[Our position in the league despite all the injuries] says a lot about Manchester United," Smalling told ManUtd.com.

"No matter the adverse conditions we have, whether it be injuries or a tough run of games, we tend to strive through. You’ve seen the team do that over the years, even before I came to the club.

"The manager deserves a lot of credit for that with regard to how he approaches games and uses his players.

"We’ve probably had enough injuries for most of the teams in this league! Luckily though we’re still where we are and have shown we have the squad to be able to cope. Everyone is coming back at a crucial time."

The Reds will be aiming to maintain their advantage - currently three points - over rivals Manchester City with victory over Blackburn at Ewood Park on Monday night.

United are well-schooled in the trials and tribulations of tight title races, but Smalling admits this year's has an extra edge due to City's involvement.

"It definitely means more because it’s City," he added. "The media build it up and us as players definitely want to win it especially as we know quite a few of their players.

"It’s going to be crucial for whoever gets those bragging rights for the next year."

Chris was talking to ManUtd.com, PA Sport and Key 103.