Chris Smalling is ready to fight his senior teammates for a first team chance at Manchester United.

Ex-Fulham centre-back Smalling said he would not let his friendship with Rio Ferdinand stop him from taking his place in the side.

Smalling, who had to wait before making his full debut in last week's Champions League draw with Rangers, said: "It's great to get the manager on your side and each day in training I feel my confidence is growing.

"The manager has said I will get my chances and I think it's down to me to take them whenever I can.

"There's only two centre-half positions available in one game, but there are lots of games to play and I think it's definitely going to be a squad game.

"There's definitely going to be some sharing. It's up to the young players to step up and hopefully I can, because I'm really confident at the moment."