4 Manchester United superstars who need to step up right now

#3. Chris Smalling

Watford FC v Manchester United - Premier League — The defender has struggled to match up with the intensity of opposition attackers

Another Manchester United superstar that needs to step up with his performances and play a more active role as the Red Devils aim to overturn their slow start to the season is English International, Chris Smalling.

The 28-year-old has failed to impress at the center of United's defense this season, appearing too sluggish and unable to match up with the intensity of opposition attackers as well as lacking the kind of charisma Jose Mourinho demands in his defenders.

Now everyone can easily understand why the manager was fuming during the summer transfer window after Manchester United failed to sign their defensive targets - with the likes of Jerome Boateng, Toby Alderwiereld and Harry Maguire all linked with a move to Old Trafford only for the deals to collapse to the Portuguese's displeasure.

About the author

Jidonu is a European and international football news writer at Sportskeeda. He holds a Bachelor’s degree in Journalism and has around 7 years of previous experience working with the likes of Tribuna and SportRaba, Jidonu has a good eye for detail and has the ability to created cohesive articles, and reporting exploits have also led him to exclusively cover the 2018 FIFA World Cup in the past.

Jidonu’s tryst with football started after watching the 2002 FIFA World Cup final between Brazil and Germany, being mesmerized by Ronaldo and Ronaldinho. Barcelona philosophy and approach towards the game under Pep Guardiola further fueled the burgeoning love for the sport, and he has been a Culer ever since.

Unsurprisingly, Lionel Messi is his favorite player and is the one true GOAT for him over Cristiano Ronaldo. The 2022 FIFA World Cup final, where Messi's brace led to La Albiceleste lifting the cup left a lasting impact on him. His love for Messi also sees him follow Major League Soccer apart from Europe’s top five leagues.

In his free time, Jidonu raps and produces music, and also enjoys reading and swimming.

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Edited by Rohit Nath