Smalling: Fans play huge part

Chris Smalling believes the backing of Manchester United's travelling supporters is vital as the Reds head into some difficult away fixtures such as today's trip to Chelsea.

The champions are bidding to win at Stamford Bridge in the league for the first time since 2002 and Smalling says the fans can help the players achieve this important feat and again eradicate Manchester City's three-point lead at the top.

"The fans have a huge part to play," says Smalling. "When we go into those sorts of places, where the atmospheres can be hostile, it’s a great feeling to hear the United fans singing songs. And they sing right from the warm-up through to the final whistle. It gives us confidence and added motivation to dig deep and pull out a result."

The Reds will have gained confidence from recording a superb 1-0 Champions League win in West London last season when Wayne Rooney scored the only goal and three home triumphs against the Blues have followed since then.

The latest result - 3-1 to United at Old Trafford in September - was one of five defeats so far for Chelsea in 2011/12 and they go into this afternoon's game 15 points off the title-race pace.

"Chelsea have had a few ups and downs, a few poor results, but I don’t think you can ever rule out Chelsea," insists Smalling in the new issue of Inside United.

"They’ve won plenty of titles over the years and they have a strong squad, although they’ve lost one or two players to the Africa Cup of Nations tournament. That will make it more difficult."