Smalling: We Will Come Back Stronger In 2016

Chris Smalling feels Manchester United’s performance against Chelsea on Monday will give the team plenty of heart heading into the New Year.

Though there were no goals to celebrate at Old Trafford, the Reds had much the better of the game against the reigning champions and were denied victory only by the woodwork and Blues goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois, who made a stunning point-blank save from Ander Herrera in the second half.

After the disappointing defeat at Stoke City on Boxing Day, Monday's display was much improved and Louis van Gaal’s men will be encouraged ahead of the next encounter, at home to Swansea City on Saturday.

Smalling said: "We caused Chelsea a lot of problems, which is a positive as they play with a back four that doesn’t really move and two defensive midfielders. To create the amount of chances we did is positive.

"We tried our luck and people weren’t afraid to get their shots away – on another day they may well have gone in. The players will take a lot of confidence from the fact that we were getting into lots of good positions and causing them a few troubles.

"It was difficult after Stoke for much to be said and it was all about turning our attentions to Chelsea. I think we were quite lucky that we had a game straight after Stoke for us to put it right.

"We’ve rolled our sleeves up and worked hard on the training field and had to make sure that we regrouped. We stood up, showed we were the better team, but couldn’t quite get the win."

Despite the encouraging signs against Guus Hiddink’s side, there was a nagging sense of frustration at the final whistle as the winless run was extended to eight games.

Smalling wants to put that right by getting 2016 off to a positive start against the Swans and, after two games in three days, he hopes a few days’ recovery will aid the Reds’ quest.

"We want to stick at the top end of the table and when you dominate games you need to win them," the defender added. "We’ll take some positives and make sure we come back stronger.

"I think there are a good few of us who need some days’ recovery now after this period and, once we’ve done that, we can prepare for Saturday and come back to Old Trafford with the same energy and enthusiasm to keep driving and get that win."