Chris Smalling expects a strong start from Man Utd

Manchester United's central defender Chris Smalling has predicted a strong start from the Premier League champions. 

Though the Red Devils have a few tricky games to compel with at the start of the season, Smalling has expressed that if United can get results against the likes of Chelsea, Liverpool and Manchester City early on, it would give the side a big plus point against their title challengers.

He told the club's Official website : "We've got some big fixtures at the start of the season but if we can put on some really good performances and pick up a few points it's going to give us a big boost and set us apart from our rivals.

"In one sense it is good to get them out of the way. The Swansea game has been in our    minds for a while. Going into the season as champions brings an expectation.

"We're seen as the best but we know we need to show it but we're firing and ready to  go. We can't wait for that first whistle."