Smalling: We Must Give Ourselves A Chance

Chris Smalling felt Sunday’s entertaining 1-1 draw with high-flying Leicester City at Old Trafford was a ‘big blow’ to Manchester United’s top-four hopes, but is looking to build on the Reds' enterprising first-half showing.

United were held to a draw as Anthony Martial’s first-half opener was cancelled out by Wes Morgan’s header nine minutes later and, despite slipping up in the race for the top four, Smalling is hoping the Reds can repeat their bold display in the opening 45 minutes when facing Norwich City on Saturday.

“We were really on the front foot for that first half an hour, he told MUTV before Manchester City’s 4-2 defeat to Southampton. "Apart from their goal, they didn’t create too many chances and I’d like to think that if we start like we did today more often, then we’ll pick up more points.

“We knew how important a win would have been, so it’s a big blow for us and means that we’re relying on results from others more than we were before the game," he continued.

"We’ll see what those other results bring, but it’s a blow for our hopes. If we don’t win our own games, then we’re not giving ourselves a chance but we’ll be aiming to take our first-half performance into the game next week [against Norwich].”

Smalling, who made his 51st appearance of the season against Leicester, a feat only his defensive partner Daley Blind can better, felt United were unfortunate not to win the game having created more goalscoring opportunities.

“I thought we deserved more from the game and we all came back into the dressing room feeling disappointed,” he said. “We created far more chances than them in the first half and controlled the game for long periods as well, but to concede from one set-play is disappointing.”

Smalling did pay credit to title-chasers Leicester City mind, commenting on their solid defensive organisation.

“Their consistency [is what makes Leicester difficult]. We dominated the game, but found them very hard to break down,” he added. “They’re a very physical side especially when they bring forward the likes of Huth, Morgan and Ulloa. They had a great threat from set-plays and you could see that they could get goals from there.

“We did find it difficult to keep them quiet, so it was unfortunate, but they've ground out a result when they weren't the better team, so you have to give them credit.”