Van Gaal Repeats Smalling Clanger

Louis van Gaal fluffed his lines again over defender Chris Smalling after Manchester United's win over CSKA Moscow in the Champions League on Tuesday.

Van Gaal made the mistake of calling the defender "Mike Smalling" while sat alongside him at a press conference in San Jose during United's pre-season tour in July.

And it seems the United manager is still to learn the centre-back's proper name.

After a fine stop late on from goalkeeper David de Gea, the former Fulham player saved United with a goal-line clearance from Seydou Doumbia's follow-up with a superb lunge alongside Ashley Young.

"David de Gea saved us and after that Michael Smalling has saved us," said Van Gaal.

Although Van Gaal appears to be confused with Smalling's first name, he has been left in no doubt about the player's leadership qualities - earmarking him as a future United captain.

Despite his manager's confusion, Smalling has handled the subject with good grace.

"The players don't call me Mike, but a lot of the fans do," Smalling said with a smile after United's 0-0 draw with Manchester City last month.

"Even if you go to Russia or wherever, it's 'Mike! Mike! Mike!' It's going to stick with me forever, that one."

Credit: Skysports.com