Man United’s Chris Smalling: A matter of time before we’re back at the top

Chris Smalling has warned Manchester United’s rivals that it is only a matter of time before the Red Devils are back on top of the Premier League.

The reigning champions have made their worst start to a season in 24 years after succumbing to a 1-1 draw with Southampton at Old Trafford on Saturday.

United are eight points behind current leaders Arsenal, but Smalling is confident the Red Devils can improve and reclaim the number one spot in the English top flight.

“It has not been the greatest of starts in the Premier League and every player can stand up and admit that is true. We know as players we have to improve,” Smalling is quoted as saying by Manchester Evening News.

“United will always be at the top and it is only a matter of time before we are.”

Smalling also spoke of his frustration at a string of injuries which have hampered the England international’s progress at Old Trafford over the past two seasons.

“You have to deal with injuries. You cannot afford to be all doom and gloom about it. Disappointments are all part and parcel of it but you have to make sure you gain from it,” he added.

“You have to ensure you come back mentally and physically stronger from those kind of setbacks.

“It has to be the making of you rather than the ruin. I think it can make me.

“Physically you work very hard in the gym when you are returning from injury because you can’t do so much out on the pitch so you get stronger.

“Mentally it has improved me. The last two years have been disrupted. I just want to get on a roll now and hope those injuries are a thing of the past.

“It is more important than ever that I am fit and in good form. I want the new manager to trust me and put me in more often than not.

“A new manager coming in gives you a new impetus. We have a new boss and three new coaches to impress. It is exciting times to try and build up a new trust.”