Chris Smalling reveals why he gave up University to join football as he praises van Gaal

Chris Smalling has praised Louis van Gaal for helping him through his Manchester United growing pains.

Smalling is poised to start in England’s friendly in Italy on Tuesday night after coming a long way in a short space of time under Van Gaal at Old Trafford.

Defender Smalling has nailed down his place at centre-half, learnt from his “moments of madness” – both on and off the pitch – as well as proving he was right to take up a football career rather than go to university.

Smalling said: “I’ve not had too many different managers and this is my first foreign coach. He’s really worked hard on the training field, right from the double sessions in pre-season.

“We’ve had the tactics and quite a lot of meetings, in terms of the vision that he wants. It is all clicking together and he has really helped me.

“First and foremost growing up, you are [just] a defender. Now, we have more possession than a lot of the teams, we do have to be a bit more like the midfield and start moves."

Smalling, used at full-back as well as in central defence by Van Gaal's predecessors, added: “Each manager I’ve played for knows that I’m a centre-half. Sometimes you have to do something [in a different position] for the team. But this season I’ve been able to stick at it and focus on centre-half and that has helped.”

The 25-year-old’s first encounter with England boss Roy Hodgson came when he was still at non-league Maidstone.

He had already been offered places to study economics by Leicester and Loughborough Universities, but Smalling had a trial match with Fulham and Hodgson signed him.

Seven years later, they are back together with England and Smalling has learnt valuable lessons along the way.

Earlier in the season, Van Gaal branded Smalling “stupid” for getting sent off against Manchester City while he also made front page news for going to a fancy-dress party as a suicide bomber.

Smalling said: “You learn more from yourself than from what managers and fans say. I was foolish (to get sent off) and it was a rush of blood. It’s something I’ve not done too often and hopefully it won’t happen again.

“There’s always people out there that are trying to pick you up, and as a role model for young players you have to make sure you’re on the ball.

That’s something you only learn as you get older.”

Smalling only has 15 months left on his current contract but wants to stay at Old Trafford and, as we revealed last week, United are ready to open talks.

He added: “I am enjoying it. Always have, and if I can contribute then I am happy to stay for as long as they want me.”

Athletics
Kenyan stars ready for World Cross showdown in Belgrade
By Ben Ahenda 2 hrs ago
Motorsport
Safari Rally 2024: Tanak urges Kenyan children to take up motorsports as a career
Rugby
SCHOOLS: From the classroom to the field, Kisumu Girls ready to lift national rugby trophy
Motorsport
Safari Rally 2024: Neuville clinches Kasarani stage as Hyundai makes intention known