Chris Smalling shows he can step into Rio Ferdinand's shoes

Joe Royle was part of the last Manchester City team to finish higherthan United in the league, in 1977, and went on to manage the clubbetween 1998 and 2001 when they won two promotions before gettingrelegated from the Premier League. He faced Sir Alex Ferguson twice in the dugout in Manchesterderbies, losing 1-0 to a David Beckham free-kick at Maine Road butearning a 1-1 draw at Old Trafford. Best performance: Manchester United's Chris Smalling tackles Manchester City's Carlos Tevez Sir Alex Ferguson is the best in the business at looking ahead.In Chris Smalling, he has the next Rio Ferdinand. This was Smalling's best performance in a United shirt. We know about his composure on the ball, as seen in one run out of defence, but Sir Alex will be more impressed with his defending yesterday - that is his primary job. Chris Smalling's movement When City were going for it in the closing stages, looking for an equaliser, Smalling stood firm and his finest moment came when he made a great tackle in the final moment. Nani looks more and more like the successor to Cristiano Ronaldo, Smalling is the equivalent for Ferdinand.  Rio Ferdinand can't be guaranteed place when fit, insists Fabio CapelloManchester United 2 Manchester City 1: Rooney stunner seals derby glory for UnitedTevez in derby drama! City striker's agony as daughter is hurt All the latest Manchester United news, features and opinionAll the latest Manchester City news, features and opinion  Explore more:People: Alex Ferguson, Rio Ferdinand, Cristiano Ronaldo, Joe Royle, Nani