Chris Smalling's development as a centre-back this season has been monumental for Manchester United.

The 25-year-old defender has won praise from all corners for his performances early in the new season, including from manager Louis van Gaal, who was quick to point out that the player himself has done the work to take his game to the next level and not the United management team.

"I think when he does things, he does it by himself," van Gaal said on MUTV.

"I help him with advice, demands, training sessions, and showing images to improve him, but he has to be open and he has to perform on the pitch.

"He does everything himself. It is the greatest compliment you have to make to Chris and not to me."