Smalling Seeks FA Cup Tonic

Chris Smalling believes he and his fellow Manchester United defenders must be "on our toes" at Old Trafford this afternoon, if the Reds are to secure passage to a first FA Cup semi-final since 2011.

The hosts have an opportunity to respond to the 2-0 Europa League first-leg defeat at Liverpool by defeating West Ham United and while Smalling knows it will not be easy against a side unbeaten in their previous six games, he feels Louis van Gaal's men can perform well enough to join Crystal Palace, Everton and the winners between Arsenal and Watford in the last four.

Speaking to MUTV ahead of the Hammers' visit, Smalling discussed the threat posed by an attack that is led by top scorers Dimitri Payet and Michail Antonio, who both netted in last weekend's 3-2 comeback win at Everton that lifted the Hammers above the Reds in the Barclays Premier League.

"In some previous seasons they have done very well and drifted off, but fair play to them as this season they have been consistent and have done very well away from home, scoring a lot of goals," explained Smalling. "We need to be on our toes. They are in good form and they will attack us, so it is not a game where we will attack and they will just defend. Hopefully that will benefit us.

"They have a lot of young players and a lot of quick, skilful players for us to watch. Hopefully when they are attacking us and we keep them out, we will get a lot of chances because they’ll be throwing men forward as well."

With the Europa League put to one side until next week's second leg at Old Trafford, United's focus is on the Emirates FA Cup and a competition the club has not won since 2004. While speaking to MUTV, Smalling reiterated his determination to add the historic trophy to his CV.

"It is one I’d love to win," Chris told us. "When I was younger, I played in the earlier rounds and the qualifying rounds [with Maidstone]. I’ve played many rounds in recent years with United but we have not been able to win that medal and that is one of the aspirations I want to deliver. I want to win it. We can start to see the finishing line and that final at Wembley. This is an opportunity we don’t want to let slip."