Garth Crooks hits out at ‘numbskulls’ who criticise Manchester United’s Chris Smalling

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Manchester United defender impressed in weekend win.

Manchester United defender Chris Smalling stepped up when his team needed him most with a superb performance in the 2-1 win at home to Liverpool at the weekend.

United shut down a prolific Liverpool attack, with their backline breached only by a bizarre Eric Bailly own goal.

BBC pundit Garth Crooks named Smalling in his team of the week, and hit out at the centre-back’s critics.

He blasted: “The times I’ve heard complete numbskulls suggest Chris Smalling is not good enough for Manchester United. Well, that particular prognosis was kicked into touch again against Liverpool. His interventions were immense and without him United would have suffered.”

He went onto insist that Smalling’s longevity at United proves its own point, and he deserves credit.

Smalling has profited from Eric Bailly’s injury this season, starting 21 Premier League games in comparison to 13 in Jose Mourinho’s first season in charge.

It is still dicey as to whether Smalling has done enough to earn a place in Gareth Southgate’s England World Cup squad, but his performance against Liverpool should be a real feather in his cap.

Bailly’s return makes the battle for a centre-back spot at United a lot more competitive, and Smalling will hope to retain his place for the Champions League clash with Sevilla this week.