Chris Smalling is hopeful that he can secure his place in Manchester United's defence during Louis van Gaal's reign at Old Trafford.

The 24-year-old featured in four of United's five pre-season matches in the United States as part of a three-man defence ahead of the new season, which gets underway next weekend.

"I am enjoying it in terms of being a centre-half," Smalling told the club's official website. "It gives us that freedom to go all the way in with a striker and really be dominant and aggressive, and I like to think that fits my game.

"This system has given me a lot of confidence to be able to fit in and hopefully make it my place."

United are believed to be in the market for a new defender following the departures of Rio Ferdinand and Nemanja Vidic.

Germany World Cup winner Mats Hummels and Arsenal's Thomas Vermaelen have been named as potential targets for the Red Devils.