Defender Chris Smalling expects Manchester United’s pre-season tour to the USA to have a big impact on the Reds’ 2011/12 trophy chase.
Sir Alex’s men will bid to win a 20th English league title when the new season kicks off with a visit to West Bromwich Albion on 13 August, but before that there’s a trip across the Atlantic Ocean to play games in Boston, Seattle, Chicago, New Jersey and Washington DC.
“We’re away for quite a while so it’s important we make strides in terms of our fitness levels while we’re there,” Smalling told.
“The season only begins a few weeks after we return from America so we want to be approaching full fitness by the end of it. A good pre-season is essential if you want to do well."
“Playing games really helps, too – there’s a difference between fitness and match fitness, so it’s important we play quality opposition on pre-season. We expect that again this year.”
This will be Smalling’s second pre-season jaunt with United. His first – last season – was also to America and it’s a trip that's full of fond memories for the 21-year-old.
“Last year was the first time I really met up with the squad so it was a big tour for me. It gave me a chance to get to know everybody for three weeks and the US was a great destination."
“I really enjoyed the games out there. They were good experiences and we filled massive NFL stadiums, which tells you just how popular Manchester United is.”
The Reds are likely to play in front of sell-out crowds once again this summer, particularly in Washington DC when United meet Barcelona in what’s already being billed in some quarters as a Champions League final rematch.
Smalling didn’t feature against the Catalans at Wembley in May, but he’s looking forward to facing the European champions when the teams do battle again in Washington DC.
“It’s going to be a great climax to the tour and a great occasion for all the fans,” he said.
“I’m definitely looking forward to it – I’ve had the chance to play against some top teams during my time at United already and I’ve loved every minute of it. This tour game against Barcelona might only be a friendly but you always relish playing against the best players and this will be no different.”
Sir Alex’s men will bid to win a 20th English league title when the new season kicks off with a visit to West Bromwich Albion on 13 August, but before that there’s a trip across the Atlantic Ocean to play games in Boston, Seattle, Chicago, New Jersey and Washington DC.“We’re away for quite a while so it’s important we make strides in terms of our fitness levels while we’re there,” Smalling told.
“The season only begins a few weeks after we return from America so we want to be approaching full fitness by the end of it. A good pre-season is essential if you want to do well."
“Playing games really helps, too – there’s a difference between fitness and match fitness, so it’s important we play quality opposition on pre-season. We expect that again this year.”
This will be Smalling’s second pre-season jaunt with United. His first – last season – was also to America and it’s a trip that's full of fond memories for the 21-year-old.
“Last year was the first time I really met up with the squad so it was a big tour for me. It gave me a chance to get to know everybody for three weeks and the US was a great destination."
“I really enjoyed the games out there. They were good experiences and we filled massive NFL stadiums, which tells you just how popular Manchester United is.”
The Reds are likely to play in front of sell-out crowds once again this summer, particularly in Washington DC when United meet Barcelona in what’s already being billed in some quarters as a Champions League final rematch.
Smalling didn’t feature against the Catalans at Wembley in May, but he’s looking forward to facing the European champions when the teams do battle again in Washington DC.
“It’s going to be a great climax to the tour and a great occasion for all the fans,” he said.
“I’m definitely looking forward to it – I’ve had the chance to play against some top teams during my time at United already and I’ve loved every minute of it. This tour game against Barcelona might only be a friendly but you always relish playing against the best players and this will be no different.”
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