Manchester United Chris Smalling has long been tipped for great things. After a few setbacks with injury. The time is now for the Englishman to cement his place in the starting XI and take on the mantle of ‘Leader’.

One of the highlights of Louis Van Gaal’s reign at Manchester United was the coming of age Chris Smalling. The man Sir Alex Ferguson signed and dubbed “The next Rio Ferdinand.”

Related: Rooney wants his place back!

Fergie signed the London born defender in the summer of 2010 from Fulham. A fee of £12million is a sizable chunk of change for a 20 year old defender. Even in todays insane market. When you factor in that Smalling had been playing non League football just 18 months earlier, its even more remarkable.

What do Manchester United need from Smalling?

When Rio Ferdinand and Nemanja Vidic parted ways with the club in 2014, they left a gaping hole in central defense. Vidic and Rio were the strongest partnership United have had since Gary Pallister and Steve Bruce in the 90’s.

So with these big shoes to fill, Sir Alex’s diamond in the rough has been thrown into the deep end. In fairness to him he is handling it pretty well. Even winning the 2015/16 ‘Players Player of the year’ award.

What Jose Mourinho really needs form Chris Smalling is for him to stay healthy. He has been sidelined here and there with a variety of injuries.



He has proven time after time that when he can stay healthy and play a few games together, he can hit top form and be the stalwart in defense Manchester United need.

Is he the man to lead in the future ?

Smalling turns 27 in November. Wayne Rooney looks to be past playing every single game. So yes I believe Chris Smalling could well be the right man to take the armband on a permanent basis.

Whenever Rooney and deputy Michael Carrick were unavailable last year he was more than happy to take on the responsibility.

When asked about receiving this honor Chris Smalling is very mature and this definitely points towards him being ready.

“The captaincy is a huge honor. It’s nice that after Wayne and Michael that I get the chance. It really adds to your own sense of leadership.” He said.

Smalling formed a solid partnership with Daley Blind last year. The arrival of Eric Bailly has given Jose Mourinho another choice for a partner.

But I think it is very important for the England International to remain as the constant in central defense. He is entering his prime years as a footballer and could very well be the man to Lead Manchester United back to greatness.