Skip to content
Truly Reds

Truly Reds

The Manchester United blog for all Mancunian around the world

  • Home
  • Latest Man United News
  • Match Reports
  • Editor view
  • Chants
  • Contact
  • Advertising
  • About
  • Home
  • United and Smalling take the low road
  • Editor view
  • Latest News

United and Smalling take the low road

The United stars may be the centre of the world's attention in 48 hours time on Saturday night but they didn't look like superstars as they shunned flying in favour of travelling by land.

Manchester United today boarded the train to London in their quest for European glory. Sir Alex Ferguson and his squad of millionaires jumped on the Virgin train to Euston as they count down to their showdown with Barcelona at Wembley – and how good was it to see Red Nev playing cards with the lads along the way!  The United stars may be the centre of the world’s attention in 48 hours time on Saturday night but they didn’t look like superstars as they shunned flying in favour of travelling overland.
Ferguson – wearing a stylish navy suit – was seen chatting on his mobile phone on the platform, possibly picking up the latest news ahead of watching two of his horses race at Sandown on Thursday night.

His squad opted against formal wear, instead donning the distinctive red and black tracksuits for their two hour journey to the capital. Meanwhile, Chris Smalling will swap the living room for Wembley Stadium to watch the Champions League final.

The former Fulham centre back has been used to viewing European club football’s showpiece event on television from the comfort of a mate’s sofa in previous seasons. Now, barring a late injury to Nemanja Vidic or Rio Ferdinand, he is likely to have one of the best seats in the house – pitchside on United’s bench for the clash with an all-conquering Barcelona side.

‘I used to watch the Champions League at my mates houses all the time’ said Smalling who was  famously playing for non league Maidstone United three years ago. ‘It has only been one season at United and I am already looking towards a Champions League final. It is going to be a great occasion at Wembley. It will be great to see all the friends and family. It should be a big finale.

On a personal level I did not expect it to turn out this way but it has been superb to feel part of the team. Even the group games, when you hear the music on a Tuesday or Wednesday – the music sets it alight. Everyone watches regardless whether you support a team or not. It is great just to be able to be part of it.’

Having joined Fulham in the summer of 2008, the 21 year old made his United debut in last year’s Community Shield after signing the previous January – and has so far played in the Champions League nine times. Having been loaned back to the Cottagers for the second half of last season, Smalling gained the unexpected bonus of playing in a side which reached the Europa League final.

He may be set to miss out on a second successive European final – he did not play in the defeat to Atletico Madrid in Germany, but believes the experience was invaluable.

Did Chris Smalling do enough to prove himself this season?

Tags: Champions League Ferguson Fulham Maidstone Manchester United Old Trafford Smalling United

Continue Reading

Previous: John Aston: The United unsung hero of 1968
Next: Hungarian to take charge of United and Barca

Related Stories

Manchester United players in the Quarter-Finals of the World Cup
  • Latest News

Manchester United players in the Quarter-Finals of the World Cup

Gary Neville Warns Manchester United about Ronaldo Transfer
  • Latest News

Gary Neville Warns Manchester United about Ronaldo Transfer

Champions League Draw Error: Manchester United now face Atletico Madrid
  • Latest News

Champions League Draw Error: Manchester United now face Atletico Madrid

Recent News

  • Manchester United players in the Quarter-Finals of the World Cup
  • Gary Neville Warns Manchester United about Ronaldo Transfer
  • Champions League Draw Error: Manchester United now face Atletico Madrid
  • Five Former Players Manchester United Wish They Had Now
  • Will Manchester United Qualify for Next Year’s Champions League?
  • Rating Manchester United’s Summer Signings
  • Who Will Be Manchester United’s Next Manager?
  • Can Manchester United win the Premier League with Ronaldo?
  • A look back on Cavani’s time at Old Trafford after signing a contract extension
  • The Big Decision For Ole Gunnar Solskjaer this summer
As featured on NewsNow: Manchester United news
Manchester United News 24/7 

Old Man United News

Popular Categories

  • Editor view
  • Featured
  • Features
  • Flashback
  • Latest News
  • Match preview
  • Match Reports

You may have missed

Manchester United players in the Quarter-Finals of the World Cup
  • Latest News

Manchester United players in the Quarter-Finals of the World Cup

Gary Neville Warns Manchester United about Ronaldo Transfer
  • Latest News

Gary Neville Warns Manchester United about Ronaldo Transfer

Champions League Draw Error: Manchester United now face Atletico Madrid
  • Latest News

Champions League Draw Error: Manchester United now face Atletico Madrid

Five Former Players Manchester United Wish They Had Now
  • Editor view
  • Latest News

Five Former Players Manchester United Wish They Had Now

Latest Articles

  • Manchester United players in the Quarter-Finals of the World Cup
  • Gary Neville Warns Manchester United about Ronaldo Transfer
  • Champions League Draw Error: Manchester United now face Atletico Madrid
  • Five Former Players Manchester United Wish They Had Now
  • Will Manchester United Qualify for Next Year’s Champions League?
  • Home
  • Latest Man United News
  • Match Reports
  • Editor view
  • Chants
  • Contact
  • Advertising
  • About
TrulyReds.com - Copyright © All rights reserved. | DarkNews by AF themes.