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Manchester United’s projected starting 11 for 2016/17

By Rucker Haringey

MANCHESTER, ENGLAND - MARCH 17: Manager Louis van Gaal of Manchester United walks off at halftime during the UEFA Europa League Round of 16 Second Leg match between Manchester United and Liverpool at Old Trafford on March 17, 2016 in Manchester, United Kingdom. (Photo by John Peters/Man Utd via Getty Images)
MANCHESTER, ENGLAND - MARCH 17: Manager Louis van Gaal of Manchester United walks off at halftime during the UEFA Europa League Round of 16 Second Leg match between Manchester United and Liverpool at Old Trafford on March 17, 2016 in Manchester, United Kingdom. (Photo by John Peters/Man Utd via Getty Images) /
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LONDON, ENGLAND – MARCH 29: Chris Smalling of England controls the ball during the International Friendly match between England and Netherlands at Wembley Stadium on March 29, 2016 in London, England. (Photo by Julian Finney/Getty Images)
LONDON, ENGLAND – MARCH 29: Chris Smalling of England controls the ball during the International Friendly match between England and Netherlands at Wembley Stadium on March 29, 2016 in London, England. (Photo by Julian Finney/Getty Images) /

Chris Smalling

The English defender doesn’t get nearly the same attention that many of his offensive teammates receive, but he’s been huge for United all season long. Look for Smalling to be a constant in United’s starting 11 again next season.

At 26 years of age, Smalling has really come into his own as a footballer this year. He’s made 28 Premier League starts for the club and has posted an excellent Whoscored.com player rating of 7.2 in league play. That puts him behind only Anthony Martial among Red Devils who have appeared in more than five league matches.

He isn’t the perfect article due to his propensity to switch off mentally at times, but it’s hard to argue with how he’s played this season. It’s reasonable to expect that his play could benefit significantly from being paired with another centre back next season. This year he’s been forced due carry a heavy load with his partnership with Daley Blind.

Don’t look for Chris Smalling to be pushed out of the starting 11 by a new signing next year. His solid performance this season has shown the club he can be counted on as a key defender moving forward.

Next: Centre back

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