Manchester United defender Chris Smalling has revealed that he is looking forward to the opportunity of playing in a 3-4-1-2 under Louis van Gaal this season.
Van Gaal has elected to use the system in pre-season after enjoying success with the same plan as Netherlands head coach at the World Cup, and Smalling believes that the squad is quickly adapting to the tactics ahead of the new campaign.
"We are very much looking forward to playing this formation. We obviously saw Holland's success in the summer and that gives us a lot of confidence that we can pick it up and do a good job," the 24-year-old told Sky Sports News.
"We've been learning each day, and each day we have made gradual improvements and got better and better.
"I think if anything I like this more than the traditional 4-4-2 as it gives us a lot of freedom to go all the way in and be aggressive. As a defender I'd like to think that's my game."
Smalling was once again used as one of the three centre-backs as United beat Inter Milan on penalties following a goalless draw at FedEx Field in Maryland.
Callum Mulvihill
