Louis van Gaal: Chris Smalling could be a future Man Utd captain

Manchester United manager Louis van Gaal believes Chris Smalling could be the next future captain of the Red Devils.

The 25-year-old has been sensational form for the 20-time English champions’ so far, playing every minute of a game in both the Premier League as well as the Champions League this season.

The Old Trafford club are currently sit third in the league level on points with 2nd placed Arsenal and two points behind the league leaders Manchester City.

Manchester United manager Louis van Gaal says @ChrisSmalling will be future captain: https://t.co/yB9scbhi4i pic.twitter.com/0778n8HbIJ

— Sky Sports Football (@SkyFootball) October 23, 2015

The England international defender has established himself as one of club’s best players so far this campaign and the manager tipped him to take the captaincy once Wayne Rooney and Michael Carrick retire.

“Wayne Rooney is the captain and so you don’t have to worry and then Michael Carrick but when they are gone then Chris Smalling can do that. So I push him also in that situation,” Van Gaal is quoted as saying by the Guardian.

The Dutch boss is confident that Smalling has got the skills necessary to lead the club in the future, having impressed with player’s improvement since his arrival last summer.

Smalling joined Man United from Fulham in 2010. He has earned 20 caps for the Three Lions and was handed a new four-year contract in April.