SMALLING HAILS MANCHESTER UNITED'S DEFENCE

Chris Smalling feels Manchester United's
defensive strength has been key to their
good form and has hailed the entire team's
contribution.
Chris Smalling has hailed Manchester United's
defensive strength following their 2-0 Premier
League win at home to West Brom on Saturday.
Louis van Gaal's men have kept five consecutive
clean sheets in all competitions and Smalling is
delighted to be part of such a strong defensive
unit.
"Over the last year we have had a very good
record and in the last month we've had many
clean sheets and as a back four, that's really
pleasing," Smalling told MUTV.
"We've been able to do that even when we've
had a few changes in the back four and have
stuck together. Everyone knows their jobs so it's
great to be a part of such a good defensive unit,
especially knowing that we've always got that
chance of scoring at the other end if we can
keep it tight.
"I think a lot of managers say that it starts from
the front and us as defenders know it helps our
job when the front two strikers put that pressure
on. If they can do that it makes our job a lot
easier. You know that without the whole team
working together, it's a very hard job for the
defenders, so everyone plays a part."
United have the best defensive record in the
Premier League after 12 games, conceding just
eight times so far, with Manchester City and
Arsenal having let in nine apiece.