Smalling acknowledges pre season importance

Manchester United defender Chris Smalling reckons a good pre-season is an essential ingredient of success for the Reds.

Sir Alex Ferguson’s side play New England Revolution on July 13. Seattle Sounders and Chicago Fire are next followed by an exhibition game against the MLS All-stars.

The Reds will then get the chance to claim a small portion of revenge against Champions League conquerors Barcelona in Washington on July 30.

Smalling said: “We’re away for quite a while so it is important we make strides in terms of our fitness levels while we are there.

“The season only begins a few weeks after we return from America so we want to be approaching full fitness by the end of it.

“A good pre-season is essential if you want to do well.

“Playing games really helps too. There’s a difference between fitness and match fitness so it’s important we play quality opposition on pre-season.”

United are expecting to play in front of sell-out crowds in the US and Smalling admits the Reds can’t wait for a re-match against Barca.

“It’s going to be a great climax to the tour,” he said. “I’ve had the chance to play against some top teams in my time at United already and loved every minute of it.

“This tour game against Barcelona might only be a friendly but you always relish playing against the best players and this will be no different.”

Paul Scholes will get his United send-off against Eric Cantona and the New York Cosmos at Old Trafford on August 5 before the Community Shield two days later.