Both players have picked up good press with their progress into the England squad and although the pair are regarded a central defenders, but they have never played there together with United, with Smalling seeing most of his recent action at full-back and Jones in midfield.
But now Nemanja Vidic has been ruled out for the rest of the season and Rio Ferdinand struggling to find his top form, many see a Smalling/Jones partnership as the way forward.
"I do hopefully see us eventually playing in the centre of the defence. We're both young and that's where ideally we want to play," said Smalling.
"There's a good bond between me and Phil. We get on really well. Phil has done really well since he's come in.
"I think he can play pretty much anywhere, which is good for United and England.
"We're both happy playing anywhere. Playing in different positions, as we have been doing, is good experience for both of us.
"You have to be able to adapt. That's important."
Smalling added: "Rio and Nemanja have been a massive help since I've been at the club. They've got so much experience.
"I can learn so much from them."
Source: FOOTYMAD
