Smalling: Defenders Should Be Fearful

Chris Smalling says defenders should be fearful of coming up against Manchester United's world-class attackers.

Speaking at a press conference in Basel, ahead of Wednesday's Champions League clash with the Swiss side, the defender admitted the firepower at Jose Mourinho's disposal is frightening now Zlatan Ibrahimovic is back in the fold.

"I think it would strike fear into myself if I was playing against them, and it strikes fear into most teams," Smalling told reporters. "Obviously we've got Paul [Pogba] back too, who's a very attacking midfielder, and along with Ibra and all those other names it just gives us so many options and no matter what game it is, no matter what competition it is, we've got a front three or four who can cause the opposition problems. So if we keep it tight at the back, more often that not, we're going to win the game."

The centre-back was also quizzed about his exclusion from the last England squad by coach Gareth Southgate.

"Was I surprised [to be left out]?" he said. "Yes, I was. But you don't play for one of the biggest clubs in the world for as long as I have, and probably won the most trophies, bar the Champions League, without being a top defender, who can play and defend.

"I think, this year, we've got one of the best defensive records and I'm very proud to be a part of that. While I'm playing under Jose, and I'm playing regularly, I'm happy with that.

"I play under one of the biggest, most successful managers in Jose, and he's only going to pick the best players. So, while I'm playing regularly and he's happy, and my season carries on like this, and we have a successful season and our team concedes very few goals - it maybe gives him no choice in the summer, but to pick me."