WORLD CUP SNUB MADE ME READY TO RUMBLE
Smalling puts Russian woes behind him to prove he’s still the man for United
CHRIS SMALLING has overcome his World Cup heartache and is ready to prove his worth to Manchester United.
Smalling was left out of the England World Cup squad as Gareth Southgate’s players made it to the semi-finals and fourth place in Russia.
The United defender admitted he was left reeling from his omission by Southgate, having played for England at the 2014 World Cup and Euro 2016.
But he said he made the most of his England snub by enjoying a full summer off and is now fully focused on the new season – despite his place being under threat with Jose Mourinho having targeted Harry Maguire.
“Initially it’s disappointment, because you want to be a part of big tournaments,” said Smalling (scoring against Portugal, above).
“I had to come to terms with that and I made the most of the biggest summer break I’ve had in my career and I’m feeling fresh and ready to go.
“Now I’m feeling good. I went to Thailand, Vietnam and I made the most of it and I can hopefully get a full pre-season, which I’ve not had in many years. I just want to follow on from the number of games I played last season, keep kicking on and helping the team, just making us play better together and hopefully win trophies.”
United boss Jose Mourinho wants to sign a new central defender before the transfer window shuts in a fortnight, with Leicester’s Maguire and Tottenham’s Toby Alderweireld among his targets.
Marcos Rojo is also under threat, but Smalling said he is not bothered by the prospect of new arrivals in his position and said he is determined to fight to keep his United place and prove his value to Mourinho and the club.
“I’m used to that every year,” said Smalling. “This club is always linked to centre-backs, whether it’s the club or agents or whoever, because the best come here.
“But I’m happy and when I’m fit, I play, so I just want to carry on from last season and right now the shirt’s mine and I intend to keep it. The transfer window has been brought forward and it’s often hectic, whether it’s at the end or the start of August, so I’m sure there will be plenty of activity.”
United have two US tour games left, against Liverpool in Michigan and Real Madrid in Miami, with a final warm-up game away to Bayern Munich before the new season gets under way.
“There’s obviously still lots to work on, but ultimately it’s all about getting the minutes and I’m sure we’ll get better with each game,” said Smalling.
“Obviously we’ve made some good additions already and got a lot of the players to come.
“Now we know what’s in front of us and we’re going to keep getting more players back through this tour and when we get back as well.
“People have done well at the World Cup as well, so we should have some good belief going into the new season.”