Smalling Determined To Make Contribution

Manchester United defender Chris Smalling is delighted to be back in action again and hopes to play a big part in making 2015 a successful year for the Reds.

The centre-back limped off during United's 2-1 win over Southampton earlier this month, but made his comeback against Tottenham last weekend, coming off the bench to help his side earn a point at White Hart Lane.

Smalling says it was difficult to watch on from the sidelines during his recovery, having produced some impressive performances for the Reds this season, and is hoping to make his mark again in the new year.

"The injury was massively frustrating, but it’s good that I haven’t missed too many games, and hopefully I can get back into the side and begin contributing again," he told MUTV.

"You have grumpy days! [when you're injured]. It’s difficult when you see the other players out on the training pitch while you have to stay inside and take it slowly. We’ve been unfortunate - you tend to go through phases where you suffer no injuries at all, and then three or four will come along at once. We’ve not been able to stem the tide just yet, but hopefully in the new year we’ll have more players available for some important games."

United fielded an unchanged side for the first time this season against Tottenham, a sign that Louis van Gaal's casualty list is beginning to shorten. Smalling says team spirit has been a key ingredient in the recent run of good form and believes things are coming together nicely.

“Quite a few of the defenders have been injured at once, so it’s been a case of encouraging one another when an opportunity arises," he added. "With the formation that we’re playing, there can be three centre-backs on the pitch, so we’re close and it’s working when we’re together on matchday.

“The start of the season was disappointing but recently we’ve been able to pick up some good results. We went on a great winning run, and it was a shame that we didn’t get the result we deserved against Tottenham. Hopefully when we get everyone back we can have the consistency which Manchester United have had over the years - I think we’re getting there."