Fergie hails Smalling as the new Rio Ferdinand
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zocoss
Sir Alex Ferguson has hailed £10million new boy Chris Smalling as the next Rio Ferdinand.
Smalling, who was signed by Manchester United boss Fergie from Fulham last season, could make his debut in today’s Community Shield.
With Ferdinand continuing to be beset by injury problems, the 20-year-old may have a major part to play for United this season.
And Ferguson said: “Chris is a very good passer of the ball, is quick, tall and has great potential. He needs to develop his upper body physique, but that will come.
“He’s like a young Rio and I am sure he will do really well for us.”
Smalling admits he is nervous at the prospect of filling Ferdinand’s boots.
He said: “It’s possible I could get a chance at the start of the season. The manager has said, ‘Just be ready’ – he’s told me I’m going to be the part of the first team. But Rio’s are big boots to fill. He is one of the best defenders in the world.
“I like to bring in the sort of attributes he’s got.
“Every young defender should look at him and learn.
“But I’ll be nervous when I make my Premier League debut for United.
“It’s a big jump from where I came from.
“I’ve already had my friendly debut during the pre-season tour, but when it gets to the start of the season there will be definitely be a few butterflies.”
Ferguson also believes he did good business by landing Javier Hernandez in a £7m deal from Guadalajara before the Mexican youngster starred in the World Cup.
The United boss told today’s official Wembley programme: “We were lucky we identified him before the World Cup and got the deal done. If we had waited until after the tournament he could have cost us two or three times the money.”
