Where will Chris Smalling fit in?
United purchased for around seven million pound a new raw defender in the form of Fulham’s hot prospect Chris Smalling. The young centre half was spotted at non-league Maidstone and made the switch to Craven Cottage representing excellent sell on value for money. There was speculation at the time that this could be in preparation for United to lose Vidic. However that does not look likely at the moment.
So this leaves United with the more than capable stand in of Jonny Evans plus others like Wes Brown. Evan’s performances have seen him perform consistently for the team during difficult periods. I believe his performances were not given the credit they deserved despite a few wobbles. Wes Brown on the other hand has looked very shaky at centre half looking vulnerable against any player who has pace and is prepared to run at him
Realistically this means Smalling’s opportunities could be fairly limited in his first season with the club. Unless Sir Alex sees a future for him in another position like fullback or in the holding role. Therefore I suggest that he sends the young defender out on loan for at least six months of the season, where he can play every week.
If that is the case it has to be in the Premier League and I think it would be a great learning curve for him to join a team who will be potentially struggling near the bottom of the league such as Wolves or West Brom. That way he can learn his trade in the toughest of circumstances in order to develop him as a player.
Short URL: http://www.strettyender.com/?p=1860
Loading ...
A little bit arrogant perhaps…? He’s just come from a side that is playing really well, and shouldn’t be forced out on loan to a lesser team than Fulham (especially when he’s proved he can play in Europe – a few Champions League run-outs next term would help him no end). Farming him out when he’s come from a decent side seems a step backwards…not to mention unfair on him!
I read one interview of Sir Alex, where he mentions that he plans signings for 1-2 years ahead. He said that he has planned for the eventual retirement of Giggs, Neville and Scholes and thereafter Ferdinand and Wes Brown. In it, he has said Chris Smalling was recruited with the latter changes in the team in mind.
I think there are still major doubts over Rio’s fitness, so he’ll still likely get games. He might give him a few games at right back, as he did with Pique when he first made it into the first team.
Either way, you don’t spend a fair bit of money (for a club that doesnt have money to burn) and then loan him out, but from what I’ve seen of him at Fulham, he isn’t ready for first team football.
Seen him play over 10 times and he isnt going to play as a fullback, so it is central or nothing for error prone Chris.
He has strength and height, but not much pace or ability on the ball. He’ll be able to make short passes but no chance of him picking out a player with a cross.
He may played 10 minutes as emergency centre forward so could play there if coached well, maybe thats the plan.
Does anyone else think its rediculous that we sold Pique to barca for 6 mil and then bought an unknown player who doesn’t even start for Fulham to replace him for 10mil.
Where will Smallings fit in? Putting it bluntly, Smallings will fit in on the bench! (even if that)
We arent going to use him in any position, aside from a centre back. Perhaps when you’re winning 1-0 with 10mins left, you’d stick him on to sit infront of defence – but thats about it.
His only chance will come in competitions such as the Carling Cup, and for when the crocked up Rio complains about his on-going back problem. Otherwise, he wont get into the XI squad for atleast a few seasons. Just a bit part player.
Chris Smalling will learn so much more from Rio, Vidic, Brown, Neville and Evens then he ever would in Fulham. Ferguson sees potential in him and Smalling is an investment for the future, He won’t play many games in the Premier League but he will get the chance in the Carling cup like many other players before him. I have no idea how good he will be but I trust Ferguson so I’m not worried.
Chris Smalling is most likely to replace Rio