It is five wins on the trot now for Manchester United in all competitions, and Chris Smalling believes other sides are now starting to look over their shoulders at David Moyes’ team.
Victories against Aston Villa, West Ham and Hull City have taken United to seventh in the Barclays Premier League, while a 13-point gap to leaders Arsenal has been cut to eight.
Momentum appears to be building for the first time since Moyes took over from Sir Alex Ferguson, particularly away from home. United have not lost on their travels in any competition since September 22 and today aim to make it 11 matches without defeat away from Old Trafford against Norwich City.
‘We hope they (other teams) are getting nervous,’ said Smalling. ‘We’re starting to get on a good run.
‘If people are starting to look over their shoulders, we’re doing a good job.
‘Despite our start, I don’t think you can ever write off United because of what they have done over the years. We knew our time would come and hopefully this is the start of a really good second half to the season where we can put the pressure on and move up the table.
‘We’re in a rich vein of form. It’s one of those seasons where there will be a few ups and downs and some teams have yet to have their downs. We have had our blip and can’t really afford any more.’
Smalling, who is likely to play right back owing to the groin and knee injuries suffered by Rafael and Phil Jones respectively, said United’s Boxing Day win at Hull felt like a turning point.
David Moyes’ side overturned a 2-0 deficit to win 3-2, and Smalling, 24, said: ‘That game showed we’re turning it around. We did that quite a few times last season and did it again at Hull. It shows a real togetherness. We have a bit more belief showing right through this team.
‘Even when we are flying, people may doubt us. We’re here to prove those doubters wrong.’
Written by Steve Milne – Have your say below 🙂
