'United have turned the corner'

United recorded their worst ever start in the Premier League era this season after suffering four losses and three draws in their opening ten games.

However, they have since gone on to win four consecutive matches, with victories coming against Crystal Palace, Arsenal, Hull City and Stoke City in November and December.

The Red Devils will hope to keep the victories coming but face two tricky encounters next week in high-flying Southampton and traditional rivals Liverpool.

Smalling says the run of wins has helped United regain the confidence they have lacked since last season.

"I think we can beat Southampton. I think at the moment we're in such a good run of form. We've got that belief back and I think we can go there and hopefully win,” Football411 quotes him as saying.

"When you come into December, it's such a busy period. If we can stay like this, pick up a lot of good results and we'll have players back any time now... We're in a good position, considering the start we had - as well as the injuries

"It wasn't a good start and we've still managed to keep ourselves up there. We know we've got a chance and it is down to us to make sure we stay there.

"I think we can get better. We've had two good performances where we've played some good football. If we can keep this run going I think we'll get better.”

Smalling started in United’s last three matches and helped keep a clean sheet against Hull and conceded just once against Stoke and Arsenal.