Manchester United legend Paddy Crerand believes Chris Smalling can develop into an attacking threat for the team.
The former Fulham defender already has scored in preseason for his new club.
"If Smalling does play in the first team, he will be a threat at corner kicks because he is six feet five tall, he's good in the air. He's quite willing to go and put his head in there," said Crerand on his weekly programme for MUTV.
"He's only 20, so he's a kid really," continued Crerand, " and it was a big step up for him to play all the games on tour at United's standard. I think Sir Alex gave Smalling all those games on tour to get his confidence up and try and fit him into the team.
"Sometimes when you go into the first team at a young age and you don't know any of the players, you can be a little bit shy at times and not want to say anything. But when you've played a few games, you have to speak, particularly if you're a central defender. You have to take responsibility.
"Smalling did alright on tour but Jonny Evans is obviously ahead of him, as are Rio Ferdinand and Nemanja Vidic of course."
