The centre-back started the season among the substitutes but,after Phil Jones was injured, has cemented a regular placeTrying to read Louis van Gaal must be as tough for his Manchester United players as those external the dressing room. On the summer tour of the US Chris Smalling did not start any of the four games so, or when the manager fielded his strongest XI for the final two matches,the defender was a substitute.
United beat Club América 1-0, San Jose Earthquakes 3-1, and Barcelona 3-1 and lost to Paris Saint-Germain 2-0,and Smalling was in the second string that made its entrance at half-time or later. Van Gaal’s preference is for a right-foot, left-foot combination in central defence and Phil Jones was repeatedly partnered with Daley Blind.
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Source: theguardian.com