Reds' Progress Pleases Smalling

Chris Smalling believes "it's all coming together" as Manchester United continue the charge towards three major trophies.

The Reds are undefeated in 15 games in all competitions, 12 points clear in the Barclays Premier League, in a commanding position in the two-legged Champions League tie against Real Madrid and preparing to host Reading at home in the FA Cup fifth round.

"We are peaking at the right time," the defender said. "At the start of the season we had a number of players who were struggling. Now we have a nice, full squad and a lot of people to call upon.

"It all seems to be coming together. There's a lot of confidence and the results are showing. We are going for three competitions. That makes it good for the whole squad to play games and to be happy. When things are going well on the pitch we're happy as well.

"The manager has stressed that he expects to go to the end in all three competitions. We're confident we can fight on three fronts."

Realistically, the FA Cup is surely third on United's list of trophy priorities, and yet Smalling insists there's a real desire within the squad to lift the trophy at Wembley this season.

The 23-year-old describes the competition as "massive" and says Sir Alex stressed the importance of a good run this season before United's first fixture, away at West Ham.

"There are quite a lot of lads who haven't won it, despite being here for a while. It's a competition I've watched since I was growing up and I look forward to it."

United haven't won the competition since 2004, a nine-year drought Smalling is keen to end.

"I was quite shocked at how long it has been since United won the FA Cup. This club has always been successful. Luckily we have another good draw, at home to Reading, and we need to make it count.

"I don't think any game is a foregone conclusion. You have seen in the league a lot of teams down at the bottom have beaten a lot of teams at the top. It will be a difficult one but we are confident because we are playing at home.

"But this competition is difficult to win. It's about what happens on the day. Luton have reached the fifth round. Anything can happen. Form goes out of the window. It's all about what happens in those 90 minutes.

"I've seen quite a lot of Reading's games. They play good football and recently have picked up a few points. It is not going to be an easy game. We have not had too many of them at Old Trafford. We have to try and make sure we break them down."

Chris was speaking to ManUtd.com, BBC Radio and PA Sport.