Chris Smalling ruled out for Manchester United

Manchester United manager Louis van Gaal has confirmed that Chris Smalling will miss the team's pre-season encounter with Real Madrid.

The two teams go head to head in Detroit tonight with a crowd of 109,000 people expected at Michigan Stadium.

However, versatile defender Smalling will sit out the clash between the European heavyweights after picking up a knock in training.

"He has a minor problem so he cannot play," Van Gaal told reporters ahead of the match.

United start the new Premier League season at home to Swansea City on August 16.