Manchester United defender Chris Smalling has said that he wants to emulate the success of Rio Ferdinand.

Ferdinand was a mainstay in the United defence for 12 years and helped the club to six Premier League titles and the Champions League trophy.

"Louis van Gaal has really helped me as a player because the one thing he has stressed is for the centre-backs to take more responsibility on the ball," he told The Sun.

"Rio was a defender I always admired for the way he put his character and personality into his football.

"When he finally moved on it was a challenge I really looked forward to because I felt I was ready to step up and show the manager what I could do."

Smalling is in his fifth season at United, having joined the club from Fulham in July 2010.

Written by
Alex Meyers