Manchester United defender Chris Smalling itching for US Tour

Chris Smalling(Getty Images)

Related Links

Teams

Players

Manchester United defender Chris Smalling is itching for the club to embark upon their pre-season tour of the US, seeing it as ideal preparation for the start of the new Premier League season.

Smalling enjoyed a fine debut season at Old Trafford, winning many plaudits for the maturity of his performances when Vidic and Ferdinand struggled with injuries last season.

The young defender’s first experience of being a Manchester United player was on the club’s tour of the US last summer, and he is looking forward to returning to regain match-fitness ahead of the season opener on August 13.

“We’re away for quite a while so it’s important we make strides in terms of our fitness levels while we’re there,” Smalling told ManUtd.com.

“The season only begins a few weeks after we return from America so we want to be approaching full fitness by the end of it the tour. A good pre-season is essential if you want to do well.

“Playing games really helps, too – there’s a difference between fitness and match fitness, so it’s important we play quality opposition on pre-season. We expect that again this year.”

Smalling arrived last year from Fulham as a relatively inexperienced defender but says the tour of the US was key to his development.

“Last year was the first time I really met up with the squad so it was a big tour for me. It gave me a chance to get to know everybody for three weeks and the US was a great destination.

“I really enjoyed the games out there. They were good experiences and we filled massive NFL stadiums, which tells you just how popular Manchester United is.”

Sell-out crowds are again expected this summer, especially when the Red Devils meet Barcelona in Washington DC. The eagerly anticipated fixture is inevitably being labelled by some as a rematch of last month’s scintillating Champions League final.

Smalling – who didn’t play in United’s 3-1 defeat at Wembley – is savouring the prospect of taking on the Spanish and European champions in the States.

“It’s going to be a great climax to the tour and a great occasion for all the fans,” he said.

“I’m definitely looking forward to it – I’ve had the chance to play against some top teams during my time at United already and I’ve loved every minute of it.

“This tour game against Barcelona might only be a friendly but you always relish playing against the best players and this will be no different.”