David May is convinced Chris Smalling is the man to succeed Rio Ferdinand at Manchester United.
Former United defender May has been impressed by the former Fulham man.
He told talkSPORT: "It's a massive period for Man United, we just need to first and foremost get tonight out of the way. If we can get anything out of the game ideally you'd like to get an away goal, it's imperative to keep a clean sheet though.
"Rio's missing but Chris Smalling filled in and he's done a fantastic job, when you watched him against Manchester City a couple of weeks ago he was outstanding so it's ok at the back.
"I'm sure the manager's seen something in him that he likes. He's [Smalling] very much like Rio, in the way that he plays, he comes out with the ball, strong in the air and he's quick.
"Whenever Rio has been injured, Smalling has come in and he's done an unbelievable job, so hopefully he'll have another good game tonight [against Marseille]."
