Chris Smalling: 'It is a battle to get picked for Manchester United'

Manchester United's Chris Smalling has claimed that it is more difficult than ever to get a game in defence at the club, despite the departures of Nemanja Vidic and Rio Ferdinand.

The 25-year-old is just 14 games short of 100 appearances for the Red Devils and is an established member of Roy Hodgson's England squad.

However, he is quoted by the Daily Star as saying: "It's a battle to get in the team. As soon as I saw Rio and Vida go, I saw there was an opportunity to be that vocal leader when I do play.

"If you miss a few games - like I did - and come back then it can be tough to get back in because there is a lot of competition."

Manager Louis van Gaal brought in Marcos Rojo in the summer and has given youngsters Paddy McNair and Tyler Blackett their big breaks in defence.