Not long into his first season in charge, Van Gaal’s United sit fourth in the Premier League after 12 games but are yet to replicate the performance levels of the side during Sir Alex’s 26-year reign.

Smalling marshalled an inexperienced backline including rookies, Paddy McNair and Tyler Blackett as Louis van Gaal’s side recorded their first away victory of the season.

Louis van Gaal is growing increasingly frustrated as Manchester United’s injury problems show no sign of subsiding ahead of their fixture with Crystal Palace on Saturday.

Louis van Gaal promises Manchester United will improve after losing the derby to Manchester City.

The 20-times English league champions have so far struggled in the top flight this season, notching a solitary point from two games on Sunday against Sunderland.

Smalling’s comments came after Roy Hodgson presented him with the rare opportunity of playing in his favoured position in England’s final group game with Costa Rica.

England’s defeat to Uruguay exposed their lack of depth.

Manchester United’s England duo Phil Jones and Chris Smalling should be nowhere near the England World Cup squad, but who is pushing for their places.

Wayne Rooney has dismissed claims from former Manchester United teammate Paul Scholes that his best years are behind him ahead of England’s World Cup warm-up game again against Honduras.

England manager Roy Hodgson has to find a solution in midfield where he needs to find a partner for Steven Gerrard, as well as in defence where he has a glaring weakness.

World Cup holders’ squad is littered with talented superstars that currently call Manchester home, including David De Gea, Juan Mata, David Silva, Jesus Navas and Alvaro Negredo