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Chris Smalling believes Manchester United fans will soon forget about singing 'Attack! Attack! Attack!' if they win silverware this season.

After going through a barren spell in front of goal through October and the start of November, fans at Old Trafford began voicing their concern at a lack of goals.

But while they were not scoring, United were not conceding either - and are currently on a run of five consecutive clean sheets.

Smalling, who has been at the heart of the United defence all season, says that fans will soon realise that building from the back was the secret for their success - should they end up winning a trophy.

Speaking to BT Sport, he said: "If we win a title or a cup or anything at the end of the season, I think they will have been naive with their 'Attack! Attack! Attack!'"

In pictures - United players arrive at Carrington:

United travel to Watford in Saturday's early kick-off in the hope that they can uphold their current record in keeping clean sheets.

Watford have scored just three goals at home all season - the joint-low in the Premier League, along with Aston Villa.

But United will be without captain Wayne Rooney and star striker Anthony Martial for the trip to Vicarage Road.

(Image: PA)

“Rooney came back ill after the break,” said manager Louis van Gaal. "I have only seen him once, the day after the internationals, and then he was at home. I don't think he can play either.”

Martial has a bruised foot and Van Gaal said: “It's not so long [for him]. It's a matter of time. Maybe he could have played tomorrow.”