Louis van Gaal says Chris Smalling's game has developed

​Louis van Gaal says Chris Smalling's form is proof his coaching methods are working at Manchester United.

The centre-half has been mistakenly called 'Mike' by Van Gaal on more than one occasion this season, but the quality of his performances has not escaped the United manager.

Despite problems injury problems in attack, Smalling will be at the heart of United's defence at Watford on Saturday, and ahead of that game Van Gaal said improving players remains his motivation after more than 20 years of top-level management.

Asked about the defender's form he said: "We have just developed players which is the essence of why I am a coach. I like to help players in their development and he has developed himself in many, many ways.

"Not in one particular aspect, but in many aspects and that's why you can see he is a different player for yourself. I don't want to answer that question because it is too positive."

Manchester United boss Louis van Gaal has confirmed that Anthony Martial will miss his side's trip to Watford this Saturday. Manchester United boss Louis van Gaal has confirmed that Anthony Martial will miss his side's trip to Watford this Saturday.

Another Englishman at Old Trafford, Jesse Lingard, earned a first international call-up for the midweek win over France after Jamie Vardy's withdrawal from Roy Hodgson's squad.

Van Gaal has previously sought to dampen any hype over the wide player, who scored his first United goal in a 2-0 win over West Brom earlier this month.

He said of Lingard's call-up: "I am pleased, but it is very fast. It is the circumstances also, but still I have congratulated him with his promotion so it is always fine to see how players are developing and because of that he is rewarded.

"When a player shows what he can do on a high level then he can do it also on the national team, and now he has an experience to be in the selection of the national squad of England which is a different environment."