Man United’s Smalling hails Van Gaal impact

By Reuters - Mar 30,2015 - Last updated at Mar 30,2015

LONDON — Manchester United defender Chris Smalling hailed manager Louis van Gaal as the reason behind his upturn in form and believes he is now playing the best football of his career.

Smalling has struggled for consistency since joining United from Fulham in 2010 but the 25-year-old has flourished under Van Gaal this season, making 22 Premier League appearances.

Smalling, part of England’s squad to travel to Turin to play Italy in a friendly on Tuesday, gave an assured performance alongside Phil Jones in United’s 3-0 win over Liverpool last weekend and is now targeting a successful end to the season.

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