Smalling Excited To Return To US

Chris Smalling is eagerly anticipating a return to the USA with Manchester United Tour 2014, presented by Aon.

United will face LA Galaxy, AS Roma, Inter Milan and Real Madrid in preparation for the new campaign, and are heading to the States for the first time since 2011, when Smalling was also part of the travelling squad.

"I've already done one tour in the States and we really enjoyed it out there as there are so many places to visit," the defender told ManUtd.com. "Football's getting bigger over there so it'll be good to go back."

When asked about the tour opener against LA Galaxy in the Chevrolet Cup, Smalling said: "We've played the MLS All-Stars before so it'll be nice to play another team from the US league in their own backyard. I'm sure it'll be a great atmosphere."

Smalling also believes that the tour will provide an ideal chance for incoming boss Louis van Gaal to get an idea of the strength of his new squad, and put his own methods into place as he takes charge of the Reds for the first time.

"Pre-season is always massively important and the tour gives the manager an opportunity to get all the players together and drill home his ideas that will last for the rest of the season," explained the 24-year-old. "It's a crucial period."

On the subject of team bonding during the trip, Smalling added: "That's important too, especially for the new lads who come in as it's two or three weeks where we are all together."