Source: Daily_Mail
Chris Smalling happy as Manchester United's middle man
Chris Smalling was delighted to get back into the centre of Manchester United's defence in Bucharest. [LNB]Handed a starting role alongside skipper Nemanja Vidic for the 2-0 Champions League triumph over Otelul Galati, it was only the second time this season Smalling had begun a game in his favourite position. [LNB]Yet his performances at right-back have been so spectacular he got into the England side for last month's Euro 2012 qualifiers against Bulgaria and Wales. [LNB] Centre of attention: Chris Smalling (left) prefers life at the heart of the defence[LNB]However, Smalling clearly views it as a temporary measure. [LNB]'It was nice to be back in central defence,' said the 21-year-old. 'That is my favourite position and I want to play as many games as I can there. [LNB]'But if I can contribute in any way, I will just give of my best.'[LNB] Smalling may get another opportunity in that role when the Romanian champions head to Old Trafford in a fortnight as Vidic will be suspended thanks to his second-half dismissal for a foul on Gabriel Giurgiu. [LNB]The consensus from within the United camp was that it was a debatable call at best from referee Felix Brych. [LNB] Wide boy: Smalling played on the right hand side against Liverpool last weekend[LNB]And Smalling admitted he was shocked when Brych pulled out the red card. [LNB]'I saw it from behind,' he said. 'I didn't expect the red card but in Europe they are a lot more harsh.'[LNB] It meant United were forced to rely on two Wayne Rooney penalties for an unconvincing victory, although Smalling had detected Otelul were beginning to struggle handling the visitors' attacking stars. [LNB]'We had to be patient,' he said. 'We didn't create too many chances in the first half but we kept pressing and it paid off. [LNB] Stunned: Nemanja Vidic's red card shocked the Manchester United players[LNB]'Wayne and Javier were causing problems around the box. The opposition were starting to pick up yellow cards and we were more penetrating close to goal.'[LNB] Now United have moved into second spot in Group C, two points behind Benfica, and it would be a major surprise if they did not collect another three points against the same opponents in their next game to leave them well placed to reach the knockout phase. [LNB]'That was a massive game and we play them at home next,' said Smalling. 'If we can pick up another three points it will look a lot rosier.'[LNB] Bring on City! Manchester United manager Ferguson fired up for derby daySven: Fergie gave me the hairdryer treatment in England row over RooneyBerbatov snub for Bulgaria fans as striker rules out international return to focus on Manchester UnitedFerguson hails record-breaking Rooney as United scrape past Galati in RomaniaOtelul Galati 0 Man United 2: Minnows pay the penalty but win marred by Vidic red cardAll the latest Manchester United news, features and opinion[LNB][LNB]
