Not many teams can stop us scoring – Smalling hits back after United criticism

Chris Smalling has responded to critics of Manchester United's recent performances and insists they understand what Jose Mourinho wants.

Published : Oct 21, 2017 17:29 IST

Manchester United duo Chris Smalling (L) and Romelu Lukaku will look to get on the score-sheet when United takes on Huddersfield on Saturday.
Manchester United duo Chris Smalling (L) and Romelu Lukaku will look to get on the score-sheet when United takes on Huddersfield on Saturday.
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Manchester United duo Chris Smalling (L) and Romelu Lukaku will look to get on the score-sheet when United takes on Huddersfield on Saturday.

Chris Smalling has hit back at recent criticism of Manchester United by insisting there are few teams who can stop the side scoring.

Jose Mourinho's side was accused of being overly defensive in the 0-0 Premier League draw with Liverpool at Anfield last week and produced an unconvincing display in the 1-0 Champions League win at Benfica on Wednesday.

However, speaking ahead of its trip to Huddersfield Town, Smalling insists United is usually the team trying to attack despite its determination to keep the opposition at bay.

"You can see that we have attacking players, albeit they still have to defend when Liverpool have those attacks," he told Sky Sports.

"But we kept it tight and we know that when we get those chances, more often than not, when we keep a clean sheet or are defensively sound, then nine times out of 10 we will win that game because not many teams can stop us from scoring.

"More often than not, we are the team that is on the front foot, because we are the one with the ball and we have to keep passing it side to side and finish them.

"And more often than not, when we get a goal and go 1-0 up and then the other team has to come out, that is often when we score the second, the third and the fourth. And we have killed teams in the last 20 minutes.

"But the onus is on us to have to break those teams down."

PREVIEW: United looking to play offensive against Huddersfield

Smalling believes the players have a good grasp of Mourinho's demands when it comes to setting up the right way for specific opponents.

"We know that we can play teams and attack, we can defend, but when it becomes a battle in defence, midfield and in attack, we can stand tall and be firm," said the England international.

"And that is known from Jose Mourinho teams. He did that at Chelsea, with his teams being competitive no matter what the game throws at us.

"We can kill teams and see teams out if we are under pressure and the manager has really shown us what he wants."

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