5 Players who Manchester United cannot afford to lose

#4. Chris Smalling

Captian Chris Smalling

One of the players who has suffered much from pundits and fans alike when United have conceded goals or lost games has been Chris Smalling. This is despite him being one of the most consistent performers Manchester United has had over the last three seasons or more.

Chris Smalling isn’t a fans favourite at Old Trafford, there’s no doubt about that. But he is one of the senior members of the squad and if there’s a player that can help a new manager settle in easily it is him.

There was a reason Fergie brought him to the club and he has shown it consistently especially under Jose Mourinho. And with his coming to an age where centre backs usually bloom, it is imperative that he is kept at the club.

The two senior members of the squad at the moment, Young and Valencia are almost coming to the end of their playing carriers, leaving Smalling as the next in line for that armband.

He has shown time and again that he can wear the armband with pride and lead his team with passion, and the nest manager should consider him as the next Manchester United captain.

The best leaders in most teams haven’t always been the star players as it has been made to look of late, just take a look at Fabio Cannavaro, Carles Puyol, Steve Bruce, Roy Keane and Paolo Maldini to name a few.

These were battle-hardened men who could do anything to win games and that is what Smalling has been to United. After all, he’s the only one who has looked caring about the dip in form of Manchester United of late.