Manchester United defender Chris Smalling says he's improved working under manager Louis van Gaal.

The centre half has paid tribute to Van Gaal for honing his game and playing him in a settled back line with Matteo Darmian, Daley Blind and Luke Shaw.

He said: "The manager is good at teaching you how to be tactically aware and staying alert. I have been lucky to have had some good managers who have concentrated a lot on defensive shape. That is crucial and I have picked up plenty of good habits.

"Being with the same centre half (Blind) does help — it makes it a lot easier to get into that match rhythm. I had it at the end of last season (with Phil Jones) where you get that roll with someone.

"We've kept three clean sheets in the league so far and you really can't ask for more from a defensive point of view."