Premier League<\/a> season.<\/span><\/p>\nSmalling 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.<\/span><\/p>\nThe young defender\u2019s first experience of being a Manchester United player was on the club\u2019s 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.<\/span><\/p>\n\u201cWe\u2019re away for quite a while so it\u2019s important we make strides in terms of our fitness levels while we\u2019re there,\u201d Smalling told ManUtd.com<\/em>.<\/span><\/p>\n\u201cThe 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.<\/span><\/p>\n\u201cPlaying games really helps, too \u2013 there\u2019s a difference between fitness and match fitness, so it\u2019s important we play quality opposition on pre-season. We expect that again this year.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\nSmalling arrived last year from Fulham as a relatively inexperienced defender but says the tour of the US was key to his development.<\/span><\/p>\n\u201cLast 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.<\/span><\/p>\n\u201cI 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.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\nSell-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.<\/p>\n
Smalling – who didn\u2019t play in United’s 3-1 defeat at Wembley – is savouring the prospect of taking on the Spanish and European champions in the States.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt\u2019s going to be a great climax to the tour and a great occasion for all the fans,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n
\u201cI\u2019m definitely looking forward to it \u2013 I\u2019ve had the chance to play against some top teams during my time at United already and I\u2019ve loved every minute of it.<\/p>\n
\u201cThis tour game against Barcelona might only be a friendly but you always relish playing against the best players and this will be no different.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/div>\n
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![\"Chris](\"http:\/\/u.goal.com\/115400\/115441_news.jpg\")
<\/p>\n<\/div>\n