"He has a big future in front of him"

Manchester United captain Nemanja Vidic has backed Chris Smalling to have a great future at Old Trafford, lauding the 21-year-old’s debut season at the Premier League leaders.

The precocious England Under-21 star is likely to step aside for the returning Rio Ferdinand for tonight’s Champions League tie against Chelsea at Old Trafford, but the former Fulham youngster has excelled in the perennial absence of the recently deposed England captain this season. 

Vidic believes Smalling’s form in some of the club’s biggest games of the season, belies his inexperience and tipped the defender to have a big future for the Red Devils.

Vidic told United Review: “Chris has done very well,

"He didn't have any trouble stepping into the team and he showed everybody how good a player he is.

"It has been a great season for him and he has a big future in front of him.

"He is only 21, so it is a massive achievement for him to have played so many games at his age for this club."