Chris Smalling came to Manchester United as a talented 20- year old from Fulham after having caught the eye with his performances for The Cottagers. He made his first team debut in 2010 and had a successful first season, amassing 33 appearances across all competitions. In his early years at the club, he found ample of game-time for someone with so less experience. Regular injuries to United’s main centre back pairing of Ferdinand and Vidic.
Chris Smalling could stake a claim after both Rio and Vidic were sold to QPR and Inter Milan respectively.
Chris Smalling played his best football under Louis van Gaal. After a stuttering start to life under the Dutchman, Chris was the first name on the teamsheet as he was one-half of United’s newfound stability at the back. He seemed to be a typical LvG player and was even named vice-captain in the next season.
In the season that followed, he played his highest tally of games in a campaign, accumulating 55 appearances in all competitions.
Louis van Gaal’s departure meant Chris Smalling had lost his footing. Like every other player, he too had to prove his worth to Jose if he wanted to start games on a regular basis. The signing of Eric Bailly didn’t help his cause either.
The Ivorian has cemented his position in central defence and seems to be Jose’s first choice by default.
Jose’s first season saw Chris Smalling being used as a backup. He could only manage 38 appearances over the course of a packed campaign. He did play the odd game but that was mainly due to injuries to the others.
Furthermore, Jose Mourinho’s signing of Victor Lindelof does not bode well for Smalling. Rojo too is on the comeback trail. From the looks of it, minutes will be hard to come by.
Jose prefers the defensive partnership of Jones and Bailly. The pair, however, looks set to miss out on the UEFA Champions League group stage opener against Basel.
Once again, Smalling has to make the most of these opportunities. He must feed off of the scraps and prove his worth, just as old times.
It goes without saying, that Jose’s Manchester United will only get better from here. More transfer windows might mean more incoming players. It is now or never for Chris Smalling, as he moves into yet another make-or-break season for Manchester United.
