Smalling eyes big test

New boy Chris Smalling is relishing the opportunity to test himself against the biggest stars in Major League Soccer.

United play an MLS All-Star XI in Houston on Wednesday 28 July (19:30 CDT, Thursday 29 July 01:30 BST) and the former Fulham defender is keen to make his mark.

“The first three games [on the tour] have provided us with a good challenge and to be up against the best players in the MLS will be an even bigger task for us," Smalling told media at a press conference in Houston. "I’m really looking forward to it.”

So far on tour, the Reds have beaten Celtic (3-1) and Philadelphia Union (1-0) before losing last Sunday against Kansas City Wizards (0-1). Now Sir Alex’s men face the cream of the American league, including World Cup star Landon Donovan.

“The main aim with pre-season is getting your fitness levels right,” Smalling said, “but we want to win every game and we hope we can do that on Wednesday.”

The 20-year-old officially became a Manchester United player on 1 July. Eleven days later