Chris Smalling feels six points against the Barclays Premier League’s two north-east clubs could fill Manchester United with confidence heading into a vital stage of the season.
Having swept aside Sunderland with a 2-0 victory at Old Trafford on Saturday, the Reds travel to face Newcastle United on Wednesday. And with only ten league games remaining after the midweek clash with the Magpies, Smalling stressed the importance of heading into a potentially season-defining period on the back of successive triumphs.
The defender told MUTV: “We need to make sure on Wednesday we get that win because six points is crucial in these three or four days. We need some real confidence to go into what is going to be a crucial next couple of months.”
As was the case against Sunderland at the weekend, certain sides in the league this season have focused on defending and attempting to hit United with counter-attacks. Smalling maintains that the Reds always remain patient when attacking, and that he and his fellow defenders always remain alert to the dangers of pouring forward.
The 25-year-old added: “We have to just keep moving the ball and, at times, you are keeping it and going side to side. Then you’re waiting for that moment to draw one of your opponents out of position and then you take your chance. But it’s crucial for the two centre-backs that we’re not switching off. We have to be on our toes and the manager stresses that before the games.”
