Smalling hopes Christmas will bring points

Manchester United defender Chris Smalling views the congested festive fixture list as an ideal opportunity to pick up points.

The Red Devils travel to Fulham before home matches against Wigan and Blackburn and a trip to Newcastle.

Smalling is backing his team-mates to kick on in their push to overhaul rivals and league leaders Manchester City.

“The players always look forward to this time of year with plenty of games,” he told the Manchester United website.

“We’re used to the demands and it’s a big opportunity to pick up a lot of points – we want to get maximum points.”

“Christmas can be a hindrance on some and can sometimes make or break you in terms of kicking on, but this is a period where we really need to kick on and show everybody we mean business.”

The 22-year-old is in line for a start against his former side Fulham when the two teams clash on Wednesday, and Smalling has praised former Cottagers boss Roy Hodgson for handing him his initial chance to impress.

“I see my time there as a big two years. My first year was about finding my feet and the second was about showcasing what I can do,” he said.

“Without Roy Hodgson giving me my chance there I wouldn’t be here so it’s a time I look upon fondly.”

“It’ll be nice to go back and see a few of the players and play back at the Cottage.”