Smalling hails Van Gaal’s tactical awareness

After a solid season for United at the heart of Van Gaal’s defence, Smalling was key as United conceded just 35 Premier League goals – a record no other side could better. And now the Greenwich-born defender will head into Euro 2016 as England’s first-choice centre-half and barring injury, he will start Saturday’s opening group game alongside Chelsea man Gary Cahill.

But the 26-year-old is in doubt who to credit for his steady progress, despite Van Gaal’s sacking last month.

“It was great working with Louis and getting a good run of games,” said Smalling. “Knowing Louis, he’s one that’s very tactically aware. Despite the ups and downs of the season, I think on the whole we as a team were very solid.

“We didn’t concede too many goals throughout the season. That’s something he really implemented on us, whereas in a couple of the previous seasons we did concede a lot.

“That season he really drilled us from the front right to the back in terms of how we move, how we shift, and that’s obviously helped me because that’s a large part of my game. I think a lot of the defence took a lot of credit from that.”

England coach Roy Hodgson has opted to take just three out-and-out centre-backs to the European Championship and a number of former internationals have suggested the defence could prove their undoing this summer