It Feels Like I?ve Been Here Quite a Few Years – Chris Smalling

Manchester United defender Chris Smalling hopes that the team can end pre-season on a high. Following that, he hopes that they can set a precedent in the Premier League season opener against Leicester City.

The Reds play Bayern Munich in a friendly later today. This will be the final warm-up game ahead of the new Premier League season. Their opening match kicks off at Old Trafford against the Foxes.

Inspite of missing the last two matches of the USA Tour, Smalling is confident that the Reds can start the season positively.

He said, ?I think it [the start of the season] does come round very quickly,?

?But that?s Manchester United. We?re often the most talked about, and why not let us set the tone for the season and hopefully just get that win and set a marker??

Currently, the defender is preparing for his ninth season at Old Trafford. In other words, he is one of the most experienced members of Jose Mourinho’s squad.

Smalling is itching to get going this season especially after interacting with United fans in America.

?It?s a bit hard when you?re 6ft 4ins to go incognito,??he joked.??No, but we met quite a few [fans] and I think that, as word spread later on in the trip, there were more.

?The locals were very polite and it was nice to just see the enthusiasm and to mix with some fans as well.?

Smalling joined United from Fulham back in January 2010. Since then, he has gone on to win eight major trophies in close to 300 appearances for the club.

There were rumours suggesting that Smalling could be tempted away from Old Trafford in favour of newcomers Wolves. However, he denied any talks of moving away from Manchester United. Instead, Chris Smalling is determined to make a lot of memories at the club.