www.espnfc.com/club/manchester-united/360/blog/post/2572586/man-united-defensive-improvement-led-by-chris-smallingWhile the pressing issues for many Manchester United fans might include why the club's principal striker (Wayne Rooney) has failed to score this season, why the club won't be signing Pedro (a player who has won everything) or who the club might be signing up front in the remaining 11 days of the transfer window, United's defence has made a quietly effective start to the campaign. The way in which United play under Louis van Gaal makes the team less prolific, but also hard to beat. Chances are few at either end, but United's defence has still excelled to keep clean sheets in both league games.
It would be a surprise if Newcastle United scored three at Old Trafford on Saturday, as they did on Boxing Day 2012, or if they won, as they did a season later.
Before a ball had been kicked in July, there had been mild consternation at United's so-far regular back four of Luke Shaw, Daley Blind, Chris Smalling and Matteo Darmian. Shaw had an indifferent first season, Blind wasn't seen as a natural centre-half and the first time most United fans knew of Darmian was when they began Googling him after he was signed.
"They've been excellent for several reasons," says former United defender David May. "Darmian has settled in very, very well. He has the class of someone who is right-back for the Italian national team. That's his position, whereas United have been using Antonio Valencia, not a natural right-back, for the last couple of seasons."
"Chris Smalling has established himself as United's number one centre-half," adds May. "He's become a leader. He's very quick, brings the ball out well and very rarely gets done by an opponent.
"I thought he finished last season well and any doubts I had about him being a bit timid went. He's strong, brave, reads the game intelligently and brings balance. I really think Louis van Gaal is getting the best out of him."
Smalling scored twice after coming on against Burnley and also got the fourth in United's best win last season, their 4-2 victory over Manchester City. Yet he was sent off in the away derby for a mindless lunge on James Milner just seconds after picking up a yellow card. Still, Arsenal were interested in Smalling but United had no intention of selling.
His central partner and foil, Blind, has marked Tottenham's fleet-heeled front three headed by Harry Kane and was at ease when Aston Villa brought on Rudy Gestede. "Blind's a very experienced player who has played centre-half for Ajax," says May. "Blind and Smalling remind me of Steve Bruce and Gary Pallister. Blind, like Bruce, isn't quick, but Smalling, like Pallister, is. He cleans everything up.
"When you have a settled back four, which United have not really had in recent years, you get to learn each other's strengths and weakness."
United's defence already looks stable.
"They defend really well together," said Club Brugge defender Oscar Duarte, one of the best players at Old Trafford in Tuesday's Champions League first leg playoff. "It's their movement off the ball, when they move as a block. They look like they understand each other well. Smalling is strong, fast and aggressive. Our attackers found it hard."
Right from United's first preseason game in Seattle on July 17, Shaw has looked fitter, more focussed and more productive.
"Shaw looks strong," May said. "It takes a while to settle in when you join United -- and I speak from experience. You don't realise the scrutiny and the pressure every day, but you do get used to it and I think Luke has."
Smalling has been at the club far longer than the rest, with five years and 133 games to his name. Yet that equates to just 26 starts per season -- around half of United's matches. Injuries haven't helped, though latterly Sir Alex Ferguson, David Moyes and Louis van Gaal have been more inclined to use three central defenders rather than have a solid central pairing like Nemanja Vidic and Rio Ferdinand or Bruce and Pallister.
"As a young player, you need a bank of games under your belt to bring consistency," explains another former United defender, Gary Neville. "Being out of the team every 10 or 15 games really harms your development. Jones, Smalling and Shaw have got to stay fit.
"Potentially, I have no qualms about any of them becoming top players, but they have to stay fit and be playing 45-50 games per season. Maybe it will be easier when their bodies settle down after growth. Steven Gerrard and Michael Owen got lots of injuries early in their career when their bodies were still growing."
Surprisingly, Smalling has never started more than 21 league games in a season but if he can avoid injury and keep up his encouraging form, that looks set to change. In contrast, Jonny Evans, one of the central three with Phil Jones and Smalling for much of the past five years, looks like his future is away from United.
In January 2014, Phil Neville (then a United coach) said: "The young centre-halves have come in and done fantastic. Smalling, Jones and Evans have done well all season -- we've seen the future there."
Van Gaal sees it differently and bought Marcos Rojo, though the fitness of the Argentinian caused concern when he returned to Carrington after a short summer break.
"I like Jonny Evans; he's a top player and any United player will tell you that he's the best footballing centre-half at the club," May said. "I know, I speak to them, but Jonny's confidence has been knocked and a move would be good for him."
Despite the settled back four, May still thinks United need to bring in an experienced centre-half. United wanted Sergio Ramos, but the Spaniard stayed in Madrid, where he's now Real Madrid captain.
"Nicolas Otamendi is a good buy for City," May said. "He's experienced and used to playing as a central defender against the best players in the world. I still think United need another central defender for big games at home and in the Champions League."
Before United's last Champions League game against Bayern Munich away in April 2014, Smalling's selection was widely questioned but he responded with an assured, aggressive, performance. He was comfortable in the air and beat any Bayern player for speed. According to Michael Carrick, Smalling, 25, is the fastest player at the club.
Smalling has the quality; now he needs the consistent starts -- and to avoid injury.
Andy Mitten is a freelance writer and the founder and editor of United We Stand. Follow him on Twitter @andymitten.
becoming a fan of Mike's. I was fraught with angst with his lack of positional sense and his sub par passing skillz and durability. But he has had a run of matches, and stayed healthy (knock on wood), while improving his overall game. I will call it as I see it, and right now Mikey Smallz is becoming the real deal right in front of our eyes. Well done lad, and here is to seeing you continue on the path to greatness!
