CHRIS SMALLING WOULD relish the challenge of added competition at Manchester United as rumours persist of the club making a move for Real Madrid defender Sergio Ramos.
La Liga giants Real have long been linked with United goalkeeper David de Gea, but rumours suggest that manager Louis van Gaal is only willing to sell if Ramos is allowed to come to Old Trafford.
Ramos is regarded as one of the best centre-backs in the world, having won every major honour with Real Madrid as well as the World Cup and two European Championships with Spain.
Smalling would have no qualms should United bolster their defensive options, stating that it would only help improve his own game.
“There is always competition at Manchester United,” Smalling said. “When I signed there were five centre-backs already here.
“I had to work hard to get past them. At this club you are always going to be compared with the best and you always play with the best.”
Smalling, who was mistakenly referred to as Mike by Van Gaal at a news conference ahead of the International Champions Cup fixture against San Jose Earthquakes, impressed during his 25 Premier League appearances last term.
The England international still believes he has room for improvement though.
“I hope my performances keep me in the team,” he added. ”Once you set a benchmark it is matter of aiming higher. You cannot afford to drop them.
“I want to make a good start to the season. After that it will just be a question of kicking on.”
Passion class respect Klopp + Liverpool = EUREKA. We are Liverpool tra la la la la
Just watched it on MOTD. Unbelievable how Barkley stayed on the pitch, Ashley Williams too. Koeman has no right to complain about the referee and the tackles according to the highlights shown by BBC
@Conor O’Neill: Chan stood on Barkleys arm too so worth a mention to balance your comment. But no excuse for either Barkley tackle or Williams stamp. Straight red to both and I’m evertonian. The later I’m surprised with after what happened mid week with Coleman. But that game today proved neither of these clubs are serious challengers. Everton were awful and Liverpool were marginally better. Coutinho is quality and Mane also a handful. Other than that I don’t understand the excitement.
Barkley couldve seen red but i honestly dont think he meant it.Williams lucky as well.we couldve had 2 extra men and still wouldnt have won.that red jersey just makes our players shite themselves.unbelievably frustrating
@Fran Heavey: there’s certainly some mental block for Everton when they come to Anfield. Regardless of the form of either side, who’s injured, who’s playing Everton just never seem to show up when they go there.