Chris Smalling believes Manchester United will be "ready to challenge" for the Premier League title next season.
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United are unbeaten in the league since Ole Gunnar Solskjaer took over as caretaker manager in December and Tuesday's 2-0 defeat to Paris Saint-Germain in the Champions League last-16 first leg was their first loss under the Norwegian.
Smalling says the side are on the right trajectory under Solskjaer and could be on course next season to win the league for the first time since 2013.
Speaking at an event for Football Beyond Borders, the United defender said: "It takes time to get there but the last couple of months our evolution has been really good.
"We'll go over there (to Paris) and give it everything because it is far from over and then next season kick on especially in the league because I think, come then, we'll be ready to challenge.
"I think with the change we've had we will hopefully be able to finish the season with a trophy and get into the top four but that's not our aspiration every year just to get into the Champions League.
"If we can keep playing how we are now and keep improving I think a big summer with pre-season is going to be the one where we're the top dog hopefully."
Smalling's opportunities have been limited under Solskjaer, and he missed several weeks with a foot injury, but he says it is a happy squad and that is paying dividends.
"Yes, one hundred per cent," added Smalling. "I think you can see the confidence in the players and when players are happy they are able to express themselves and show everyone they are a good player.
"I think that's one thing Ole has done, he's come in and he just wants people to believe, to have that confidence to go out there and express why they are at Manchester United.
"Everyone is seeing the transformation that he's had on the team.
"I think our job is to win games, the club has said there is a process but he has given us the tools and all we can do is to go out there and play."
Ismitty
1
If we sell you I believe we can win the PL next season because you are one of our problems@Chris Smalling 12
sitmnotu
0
stupid
Dannillo
0
Shut up my boy.. Let's do the talking on the pitch and see if we get to finish inside top four or atleast win against PSG which i think it will be more like trying to impregnate a male..
meyacklmpy
0
I am sick and tired you these united players say how they can challenge for the title year after year and when the season start is a total different story smh just STFU guys and just challenge for it and stop saying you guys can just do it
Vauloruy
0
cross dis yr hurdle 1st..agst chelsea, arsenal, liverpool n MC ..see how you all perform ya
AnikemEzekiel
1
Smalling should wait first
kabaelpz
0
Cause Chelsea and Arsenal are crap also.
It's because football is a competition. We can't have one team always winning. It it were so this sport would have been boring. #theater of dreams.
wuaacdmpu
0
Those who think MAN U is playing badly, why is man u in top 4? Why is Man U still in champions league? Why is man u still playing FACup?
Cause Chelsea and Arsenal are crap also.
kabaelpz
1
Those who think MAN U is playing badly, why is man u in top 4? Why is Man U still in champions league? Why is man u still playing FACup?
Badshahking
2
😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😃😂😃😃😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂 Good joke
Noyabcmopr
0
First you have to be exit the club to chalenge trophies .denez antem endedena techaeach media lay eyeweta silewancha taweralek mejemeria clbun likek lelawun lenesu tew wet/cook.
Nyamaywheda
2
well said smalling this season is about repairing damage next season is about winning
OBIVICTORY
1
Please throw Sanchez away, he is the worst man united player ever. Even di maria, depay were better than him
madridsta_5199
0
With that defence they might as well be challenging for the efl championship.
EAsoft
1
This is not Fifa 😂
😂😂😂 I could stop my emotions @TonyV25 @Shadownet
HusbinHS7
2
They will be in the title race next season... But first they gotta make serious rearrangements in the team...they gotta make it stronger and the defence must improve.....bring in some quality players and Ole should get united to a top class level again....and the words should come into action while playing on the field....
TonyV25
1
They need serious investment in that case.. We should sign at least 2 CBs and 1 wingback 1 midfielder and one RW because Mata is old but still classy, uncertain over his future....Also United should Sell Sanchez and invest 200M+ in this transfer window
[image]
This is not Fifa 😂
Fizabeiorz
0
only if united could sell u along with ur bestie phil jones, u both should be sold n they should buy 2 world class defenders,even lovren is way better than u 2.
Shadownet
1
They need serious investment in that case.. We should sign at least 2 CBs and 1 wingback 1 midfielder and one RW because Mata is old but still classy, uncertain over his future....Also United should Sell Sanchez and invest 200M+ in this transfer window
[image]
dream team 😁😁😁 #FIFA though 😁😁
Juudeklz
1
I hope Smalling will say it in next season as well.
Or at least re run the story
Juudeklz
1
All a sudden
zaddy_lee
2
If only united could ship you out
gibk21
0
Hahahaha. Good one smallie. You may not like his footballing but the guy's got a good joke in him
Patrick Myanmar
1
I hope Smalling will say it in next season as well.
Godwinwhizee77
0
Well said
BishalTimsina
0
thats great banter
He is talking about united not Liverpool dude
bubcit
0
Smalling is only woolgathering
lazabcilmr
1
that's good
EAsoft
0
They need serious investment in that case.. We should sign at least 2 CBs and 1 wingback 1 midfielder and one RW because Mata is old but still classy, uncertain over his future....Also United should Sell Sanchez and invest 200M+ in this transfer window
niualnruyz
0
thats great banter
panbcekoz
0
what
proverbs
0
One things for sure, if Smalling, Jones and Rojo are all at the club next season we may as well call it a day. Would expect 2 of them to be moved on if we’re serious about challenging for the title.
possi
0
The problem is we have De Gea, Herrera expiring and were pumping budget into Phil Jones. It shows that the board don’t want to invest AGAIN. they would rather get top four with Jones and Smalling. We are never going to win a title with either.
Justinbra
0
Poor Bailly either has jones or smalling next to him tomoz lindelof seems to be rested if we don’t win tomoz I’ll be livid top 4 tomoz needed before we go into the big games. And if we don’t get axel back in summer and sign a top cb don’t even think about title next season
Jacky2
0
Title then we need better defenders that means bye bye smalling rojo and jones and bringing in good young and quality defenders. Simple as
CELTICS05
0
"Next season is our season" Sounds familiar. ''Utd can challenge for title next year''
ointmentae
0
Hahah. Good times. You're beginning to sound like Liverpool.
yuleing
0
Big changes are needed in defence before we challenge for anything.
Karenen
0
Does that mean him and Phil Jones are leaving?! 🤔
materialism
0
What with his Fantasy football squad?? Definitely not in real life 5 incoming minimum needed At least 8 pieces of deadwood need binning.
Keplerer
0
Leave him alone FFS. Despite he wasn't playing, "Best supporters in the world" blame him and Fellaini for the last game result.
pompous
0
Chris Smalling should be at Everton next season, that's his level
usefull
0
May b but only if he’s not playing
pmleo
0
Every man United players recent interview is about next year premier league.
Jeenyguy
0
Yes with someone else in the centre of defence
Kristinstucki
0
Yes with someone else in the centre of defence
Casioos
0
With that defense 🤣🤣✋😂Jones and Young 😝😎
dreamcup
0
Next year is Uniteds year 😂😂😂😂
Sharing
0
Why is it footballers are encouraged to say such things. The improvements in MUFC are very encouraging but it was only on Tuesday that it was said we could win the ECL and look what happened. Sound bites are just that and should be discouraged from being made.
pompousz
0
So will Everton