Saturday 21 March 2015 15:10, UK
Bryan Robson has paid Chris Smalling a huge compliment by likening his recent performances to those of Manchester United greats Paul McGrath and Gary Pallister.
Five years after signing for United, Smalling is yet to convince many fans he and Phil Jones are suitable long-term replacements for Nemanja Vidic and Rio Ferdinand, who left Old Trafford last summer.
However, the 25-year-old has had a string of strong performances recently, and will need to keep that going for United's visit to Anfield on Sunday, as they battle great rivals Liverpool for a top four Premier League finish.
He has come on to a good game, is in good form at the moment and will be important against Liverpool.
Smalling has been taunted by fans, including when he was sent off in the 39th minute after picking up a foolish second yellow for hacking down James Milner in the corner in the Manchester derby last November, which City went on to win 1-0.
However, his commanding performance in last week's 3-0 victory over Tottenham caught Robson's eye and the former United captain thinks that bodes well for Louis van Gaal ahead of Sunday's trip to Anfield.
"Chris is a good defender," Robson said. "I have seen him improve over the last few games. I even thought against Arsenal and Newcastle away, his passing was a lot better, a lot crisper.
"He has come on to a good game, is in good form at the moment and will be important against Liverpool."
Smalling kept 26-goal Spurs striker Harry Kane quiet last Sunday and the former Fulham man ventured forward, striding confidently with the ball at his feet on a number of occasions.
Pallister lifted 10 trophies at United and McGrath would have won much more than the 1985 FA Cup had he not fought a long-running battle with alcoholism which eventually cost him his place at the club.
"Paul McGrath could do that and so could Gary Pallister," Robson said when invited to liken Smalling's display to a figure from the past.
'Difficult'
"When you keep possession at the back sometimes it's really important that your defenders break past the forwards and they get into the midfield area.
"That means one of your midfield players should be able to get space and I thought Chris did that particularly well against Tottenham and that made it difficult for the Tottenham players."
A pleased Smalling said: "It's a great feeling to know that people are taking notice. I am just hoping I can keep it up and keep a good run and contribute to our results."
Liverpool have not lost since losing 3-0 at Old Trafford in December and a victory would move them above United into fourth for the first time since August.
But Robson thinks victory for United could pave the way for a second-place finish - where City lie five points ahead of them.
"Yes, (second) is a realistic target," the former United captain said. "We have to play City and Arsenal at home and if we beat both of them all of a sudden your points tally is looking really good."
Robson and Smalling were speaking at the launch of Manchester United Casino - the world's first club-based real money casino app.
Watch Liverpool take on Manchester United live from Anfield at 12.30pm on Sky Sports 1 this Sunday
