Chris Smalling has vowed to stake his claim to be the long-term successor to Nemanja Vidic and Rio Ferdinand at the heart of the Manchester United defence.
With Italy-bound Vidic heading for Inter at the end of the season and Ferdinand also expected to leave the club, United are looking for players to fill the sizeable void left in the central defensive spot.
Smalling, who is sometimes used at right-back, is hoping to be given the chance to play centrally in the final weeks of the season to show what he can do.
“I can be a main man in that position,” Smalling told reporters at the Allianz Arena on Wednesday.
“I’ve wanted this opportunity to make my mark in the middle.
“There is always pressure whenever you go out and play for United but I thrive on it.”
United have struggled to field a constant centre-back pairing this season, due to injuries and inconsistency to David Moyes’ main men.
While the Scot has insisted that he will give chances to his current players, rumours persist that United will dive into the transfer market to reinforce the squad.
Smalling insists he is not concerned by the challenge that may come from new arrivals in the summer.
“There is always going to be a lot of activity and I expect there will be some with us,” Smalling said.
“Whoever plays now will have to do well so that they’re not replaced.”
United’s defeat in Munich on Wednesday effectively ended their chances of qualifying for next season’s Champions League – as they sit seven points adrift of fourth place in the Premier League with five games to play.
The England defender, who is in contention for this summer’s World Cup squad, has admitted that this season has been below-par for the Red Devils and wants the side to hit the ground running next time around.
“We all know it’s not been good enough this season but we’ll have to put it behind us and really make up for it next year,” Smalling said.
“We’ve taken one step forward and two steps back too many times this season.
“But if we can finish well, hopefully we’ll go into next season stronger than ever and prove the doubters wrong.”
