Sir Alex Ferguson has expressed his delight with Chris
Smalling's performances in Manchester United's backline during Rio
Ferdinand's absence.
The ex-Fulham youngster has been featuring alongside Nemanja
Vidic at the heart of the Red Devils' defence while centre-half
Ferdinand remains sidelined with a calf strain.
Smalling helped keep a clean sheet against Wigan on Saturday and
the 21-year-old is expected to retain his place in the side for
Tuesday's clash against Chelsea at Stamford Bridge.
Although Smalling is very much one for the future, Ferguson has
been thrilled with his recent contribution and has acknowledged he
is continually improving.
"We are very pleased with his performances," Ferguson told
Inside United. "It's an outstanding contribution he has
made. But, do you know, I expected him to do well. I had no doubts
about him.
"He's done really well for us and he is improving all the time.
He is developing all aspects of his game because he wants to learn
and improve. He likes defending, he enjoys it. So he's a real
bonus.
"We started him against City with Rio being out and it's not
easy coming in for your first derby at 21 years of age, having only
been with us nine months. But I thought he would do well."
Ferguson also has high hopes for Jonny Evans and believes the
Northern Ireland international and Smalling could become the club's
long-term partnership.
"That's the way I look upon it," he continued on Evans and
Smalling being the heart of the club's defence for years to
come.
"They're young, but Evans for example has already played a lot
of games for us. He played almost three quarters of the matches
last season.
"He is well grounded in terms of what's needed here. His time
will come."
