Smalling makes rocky start for United

Manchester United fans got their first sight of Chris Smalling on Friday night and the new defensive signing made an auspicious start.

Despite glowing praise from Sir Alex Ferguson after the 3-1 win over Celtic in Toronoto, the former Fulham centre-back had a less than convincing debut and the signs are that he might need time to fit into life at Old Trafford.

The 20-year-old, who signed a pre-contract agreement from Fulham in January, partnered Jonny Evans in a new-look partnership at the back with Rio Ferdinand absent through injury and Nemanja Vidic on a break after the World Cup.

Premier League betting pundits note that the pair had a tough time against a lively Celtic frontline of Georgios Samaras and Marc-Antoine Fortune. It was Samaras who scored for the Hoops to cancel out Dimitar Berbatov’s opener.

Samaras netted from the spot after Smalling had bundled over Joe Ledley. United though fought back and goals from Danny Welbeck and Tom Cleverley sealed the victory.

But it was tough bow for Smalling, who struggled with his form at Craven Cottage towards the end of the season and ended up with only 12 Premier League appearances. It might even be an idea to place a football bet on the youngster going out on loan before long.

Ferguson though refused to criticise Smalling, who was playing non-league football with Maidstone only 18 months ago.

Ferguson said: "I was pleased with Chris. We know he is good footballer, we know he is quick and is a good passer of the ball.”

Still, all the signs are that Smalling might need some time to get up to speed with playing for one of the Premier League’s big guns.