Smalling steps up his Reds recovery

UNITED defender Chris Smalling has stepped up his recovery from a knee injury ahead of the season’s run-in.

The 27-year-old suffered the problem in training with England last month and has had to wear a knee brace over the last few weeks.

But Smalling informed United supporters in a video of him jogging in a swimming pool at the club’s training complex that he no longer requires the brace.

The defender wrote on his social media channels: “Good day at the office and nice to finally be out of the brace. Running on reduced weight to help strengthen the leg.”

United manager Jose Mourinho clarified last week Smalling would return in ‘mid-May’ at the earliest, which could still scupper the player’s hopes of playing again this season.

Tottenham host United on May 14 and they then travel to Southampton three days later before ending the league season with the visit of Crystal Palace on May 21.

Should United reach the Europa League final, that is scheduled for May 24. Depending on United’s top four Premier League chances and whether they reach the Stockholm final, Smalling could be used to protect other senior players from injury.

Centre halves Eric Bailly and Marcos Rojo have impressed in Smalling’s and Phil Jones’ absences this month. United have conceded just one goal in their four league matches so far.

Juan Mata, who is out for the remainder of the season, also posted a picture from United’s Carrington gym earlier in the week and succinctly said he had a ‘good session’.