5 Manchester United players who have stepped up during the recent injury crisis

#3 Chris Smalling

Chris Smalling has delivered consistent performances

Chris Smalling saw himself out of the playing XI initially in Solksajer’s term as Ole preferred Phil Jones to partner Victor Lindelof. Primarily, it was because of Jones’ ball-playing abilities.

This is one thing that has worked against Smalling throughout the years, as his abilities on the ball are painfully limited for a modern day center back. However, he tends to make up for it at United with his impressive aerial abilities and timely goals whenever required.

Now, in the last few games, Smalling has managed to provide decent contributions, combining with Lindelof to tighten up United’s back line.

He was impressive against Liverpool, and was unlucky to miss out on scoring a goal late into the game. Then, though he was culpable for ball-watching during PSG’s first goal, Smalling more than made up for it with a good, level-headed performance thereafter.

His crucial block in the 84th minute kept United in the game and that needs to be applauded too. Though Smalling might not be the most ideal center back that a top team would look for, he has always come up with decent performances whenever required, barring some errors at times.