Sir Alex Ferguson has hailed £10million new boy Chris
Smalling as the next Rio Ferdinand.
Smalling, who was signed by Manchester United boss Fergie from
Fulham last season, could make his debut in today’s Community
Shield.
With Ferdinand continuing to be beset by injury problems, the
20-year-old may have a major part to play for United this
season.
And Ferguson said: “Chris is a very good passer of the ball, is
quick, tall and has great potential. He needs to develop his upper
body physique, but that will come.
“He’s like a young Rio and I am sure he will do really well for
us.”
Smalling admits he is nervous at the prospect of filling
Ferdinand’s boots.
He said: “It’s possible I could get a chance at the start of the
season. The manager has said, ‘Just be ready’ – he’s told me I’m
going to be the part of the first team. But Rio’s are big boots to
fill. He is one of the best defenders in the world.
“I like to bring in the sort of attributes he’s got.
“Every young defender should look at him and learn.
“But I’ll be nervous when I make my Premier League debut for
United.
“It’s a big jump from where I came from.
“I’ve already had my friendly debut during the pre-season tour,
but when it gets to the start of the season there will be
definitely be a few butterflies.”
Ferguson also believes he did good business by landing Javier
Hernandez in a £7m deal from Guadalajara before the Mexican
youngster starred in the World Cup.
The United boss told today’s official Wembley programme: “We
were lucky we identified him before the World Cup and got the deal
done. If we had waited until after the tournament he could have
cost us two or three times the money.”