6 players who Manchester United should build their team around next season

#5 Chris Smalling

Chris Smalling: The next Manchester United Captain?

Manchester United is in the lookout for a world-class central defender to boost their ranks. The obvious target is Kalidou Koulibaly, but there are many others that have been linked to the club. What’s interesting about them is that most of them don’t have Premier League experience to back up their obvious talent.

Despite perception, Chris Smalling has been one of the team’s most consistent performers this season and undoubtedly their best central defender. He simply can’t be dropped at the moment unless he picks up an injury.

Even if they do recruit -- and a player outside the Premier League looks more likely, they’ll need someone to help them settle into the league. Smalling is the central defender that the team looks to build around and at 29 years, he’s at the peak of his career. He should comfortably give United another three-four years of service.

And as one of the long-serving players in this squad, the manager may also look at his as the next club captain.