United’s summer signing Chris Smalling is relishing the opportunity to test himself against the biggest stars in Major Leagu…

United’s summer signing Chris Smalling is relishing the opportunity to test himself against the biggest stars in Major League Soccer on Wednesday night.
Sir Alex’s youthful squad – now bolstered on tour by the arrival of other summer signing Javier Hernandez – face an MLS All-Star XI in Houston on 28 July [19:30 CDT, Thursday 29 July 01:30 BST] and the former Fulham defender is keen to impress.
“The first three games so far have provided us with a good challenge and to be up against the best players in the MLS will be an even bigger task for us,” Smalling told media at a press conference in Houston. “I’m really looking forward to it.”
So far in the US, the Reds have beaten Celtic (3-1) and Philadelphia Eagles (1-0) before losing last Sunday against Kansas City Wizards (0-1). Now Sir Alex’s men face the cream of the American league, including World Cup star Landon Donovan.
“The main aim with pre-season is getting your fitness levels right,” Smalling said, “but we want to win every game and we hope we can do that on Wednesday.”
The 20-year-old officially became a Manchester United player on 1 July, but is no longer the only fresh face in the Reds’ camp with Mexico forward Hernandez having joined the squad following his holiday. Smalling is excited at linking up with the man nicknamed ‘Chicharito’.
“I’m really looking forward to playing alongside him,” he said. “Like him, I’m new to the club, but I’ve settled in really well over the last two weeks and I’m sure he will do, too. Everyone will make him feel welcome and hopefully he’ll have a great start to his United career.”

Smalling's aim

27TH JUL 2010

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