Smalling: Results Matter Most In May

Chris Smalling admitted that results take precedence over performances at this late stage of the season after Manchester United edged past Norwich City on Saturday.

The defender was solid at the back as Juan Mata’s second-half strike proved the difference in the 1-0 win at Carrow Road to keep the Reds firmly in the race for a top-four finish and Champions League qualification.

He told MUTV: “When we came out for the warm-up before the game we said no matter what happens out there we make sure we come back with three points and I’m sure Norwich would have said the same. Three points is all that matters at this stage.”

The Reds lost Anthony Martial to injury in the warm-up and Matteo Darmian early on in the game but Smalling felt the team coped well in their absence.

“I think it’s not easy because Anthony has been terrific for us all season and a real match winner for us up front. The players who came in did well and it was a much better second-half performance.”

United improved after the break and secured all three points when Mata slotted home from Wayne Rooney’s lay-off in the 72nd minute – and Smalling was glad the chance fell to the Spaniard.

“If you’re going to pick one or two guys in the team for it to fall to, Mata is one of them because he only needs one chance and he took it well,” he said.

The Reds have now kept 18 clean sheets in the Barclays Premier League this season - half of the team's 36 games so far - and Smalling is proud of that strong defensive record.

“I think we’ve done so well with the number of clean sheets as a team. I think when you get to the last 10 minutes it’s about sticking together and making sure we hang on because we know how important it is.”

The United players now turn their attention to Sunday’s crucial match between Manchester City and Arsenal, with Smalling hoping the outcome will give the Reds the chance to secure fourth place with wins in their final two league games against West Ham and Bournemouth.

He added: “We can all recover tomorrow and watch the City-Arsenal game. If that goes in our favour, then it’s down to us with two big games next week. Hopefully we can do the job if the result is the right one for us tomorrow. We all know what result we’d rather have!”