Why Chris Smalling Is Under Most Pressure for Man United Following Derby Defeat

During Manchester United's defeat at the Etihad, Chris Smalling managed to cast further doubt over his long-term future at Old Trafford.

Following United's game against Everton at the beginning of October, I singled Smalling out as the player under most pressure. He played no part in that game, and I suggested that his injury record, poor form, and the emergence of Paddy McNair combined to heap pressure on the former Fulham man's shoulders. 

Since then, it has been a mixed bag for Smalling. On his return from injury, against Chelsea last Sunday, he was excellent, defending solidly and tidy in his use of the ball—as indicated by his 87.1 percent pass completion, per WhoScored.com.

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That performance seemed to ease some of the pressure on him, and following that game, Juan Mata was awarded the dubious honour of player most in trouble.

However, Smalling's abysmal sending off, for two avoidable yellow cards in the Manchester Derby surely sees him reclaim the unwanted crown.

Bleacher Report's Manchester United Correspondent, Rob Dawson, wrote of Smalling on Sunday:

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Smalling was given a chance against Manchester City to prove he's worthy of a future at Old Trafford. He might not get too many more.

"

His error was so egregious, so costly and under such a bright spotlight that Smalling would have cause for concern if his footing at the club prior to the incident had been firm. Given that he already seemed to be at risk of replacement, considering both his lack of fitness and his lack of form, he seems ever closer to the firing line.

It was very different in February 2011, when Smalling featured in the derby in which Wayne Rooney scored his spectacular overhead kick to earn United the victory.

In an interview with Inside United at the time (h/t Goal.com), Sir Alex said of Smalling:

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We are very pleased with his performances. It's an outstanding contribution he has made. But, do you know, I expected him to do well. I had no doubts about him.

He's done really well for us and he is improving all the time. He is developing all aspects of his game because he wants to learn and improve. He likes defending, he enjoys it. So he's a real bonus.

We started him against City with Rio being out and it's not easy coming in for your first derby at 21 years of age, having only been with us nine months. But I thought he would do well.

"

Ferguson went on to say he believes Jonny Evans and Smalling were the long-term successors to Nemanja Vidic and Rio Ferdinand.

Louis van Gaal had more cause to criticise his charge today than Ferguson did in 2011, and said of Smalling's sending off, per The Guardian :

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You cannot do what he has done with the second yellow card. That is not very smart. What can I say?

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However, he mitigated slightly, adding of Smalling's apology to his teammates:

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He said it very humbly. You can only accept it. But nevertheless it was, in my opinion, not so smart.

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That even Van Gaal's mild praise of Smalling's demeanour has the caveat of a final, repeated note of criticism may be telling. There have been enough injuries to United's central defenders this season that the Dutchman has rarely had much of a selection dilemma.

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When he next does, and Smalling is one of the contenders, it is easy to imagine the words "not so smart" ringing in Van Gaal's ears. This result was not good news for the manager's short-term future, not in terms of job security, but in terms of momentum.  It may yet have greater implications for the player in the longer term.

There can be no doubt that Chris Smalling is under a great deal of pressure. It will be interesting to see how he, and his manager, respond.