The Greatest: Chris Smalling Decides

The second Manchester United player to tackle our quickfire feature is defender Chris Smalling, who provides great colour when providing answers for the greatest sportsman of all time, the greatest goal he's scored and the greatest player he's ever seen...

THE GREATEST...

Sportsman outside of football: There are lots to name, but I’m a big fan of Muhammad Ali. I have got a few pictures of his quotes around my house as well. He always backed himself. You can be overconfident, but he could back it up and he had that belief. That was somebody who was really at the top of his game.

Player I've watched: I would have to say Paul Scholes. Once you have played with him close up, you can see that what he has is something that can’t be taught. He is a natural. He would receive the ball and know exactly what was around him. He'd know when to play a simple pass or wait for the opposition to come close and then pass at the right moment. It was something special to watch.

Game I’ve been involved in: Maybe the City game at home [in February 2011], it was my first derby at the club. I knew at the start of the week that I was going to be playing so it was a case of getting ready for it all week. Wazza scored his bicycle kick to win it and that was a feeling that I will never forget.

Goal I've scored: I think when I was young, in an Under-14s match, we were drawing 1-1 and I got the ball off the goalkeeper and literally dribbled up the pitch without a care in the world - it was as if I didn’t see anyone else! I took it past the whole team and stuck it in. It was a great moment.

Place I’ve visited: Last summer I went to Peru. I have been on holiday previously and it's always been a case of just sitting on the beach but this time it was South America, walking through the jungle and climbing up high, visiting different cities. It was a special trip and a special few weeks.

Away stadium I’ve played at: There are some special stadiums we've played on tour in America, but I would say Bayern Munich’s Allianz Arena. That is a special one.

Moment of my United career: I think it has to be the first league title in my first year [2010/11] and the fact that i was able to play so much and be a big part of it. The moment we won it is one that will stick with me forever and I want a lot more trophies. Where do I keep my medal? If I said that I might get mugged but I keep it close to me!

Credit: Manutd.com