Sir Alex Ferguson has heaped the praise on Manchester United defender Chris Smalling after putting in some very impressive performances while deputising for the injured Rio Ferdinand.
Chris Smalling was brought in from Fulham last summer and despite making a slow start, the young defender has impressed over the last few months and Sir Alex has admitted that having him in the squad is a real bonus for the team.
He told Inside United: "We are very pleased with his performances. It's an outstanding contribution he has made. But, do you know, I expected him to do well. I had no doubts about him.
"He's done really well for us and he is improving all the time. He is developing all aspects of his game because he wants to learn and improve. He likes defending, he enjoys it. So he's a real bonus.
"We started him against City with Rio being out and it's not easy coming in for your first derby at 21 years of age, having only been with us nine months. But I thought he would do well."
Sir Alex believes that Chris Smalling has a bright future at Old Trafford, alongside Jonny Evans.
When asked whether both of them are future of Manchester United's defence, he replied: "That's the way I look upon it.
"They're young, but Evans for example has already played a lot of games for us. He played almost three quarters of the matches last season.
"He is well grounded in terms of what's needed here. His time will come."
Chris Smalling will have to play at his level best tonight as Manchester United face the likes of Fernando Torres and Nicholas Anelka in a clash that could determine their season.
He told Inside United: "We are very pleased with his performances. It's an outstanding contribution he has made. But, do you know, I expected him to do well. I had no doubts about him.
"He's done really well for us and he is improving all the time. He is developing all aspects of his game because he wants to learn and improve. He likes defending, he enjoys it. So he's a real bonus.
"We started him against City with Rio being out and it's not easy coming in for your first derby at 21 years of age, having only been with us nine months. But I thought he would do well."
Sir Alex believes that Chris Smalling has a bright future at Old Trafford, alongside Jonny Evans.
When asked whether both of them are future of Manchester United's defence, he replied: "That's the way I look upon it.
"They're young, but Evans for example has already played a lot of games for us. He played almost three quarters of the matches last season.
"He is well grounded in terms of what's needed here. His time will come."
Chris Smalling will have to play at his level best tonight as Manchester United face the likes of Fernando Torres and Nicholas Anelka in a clash that could determine their season.
