By Terry Butcher
Phil Jones and Chris Smalling are two great examples of
central defenders who have shown a brilliant aptitude to play at
right-back.
The Manchester United duo are better defenders than the Da Silva
twins and are relaxed and comfortable when on the ball, especially
in advanced areas.
Both are extremely positive going forward and do not panic when
under pressure despite their relative inexperience.
If Sir Alex Ferguson wants you to play out of your normal
position, then that’s what happens – at other clubs these two
youngsters would never have been moved out of their comfort zones.
But this is Manchester United and Sir Alex’s perception will
improve both players’ understanding of the game.
Thirty years ago Sir Bobby Robson moved me to left back to play
against the first £1million footballer – Trevor Francis of
Nottingham Forest – and I played there for over 50 more games
including a European semi-final.
It would seem then that Sir Alex is going full-back to the
future for both Jones and Smalling!