Chris Smalling admits that he would be disappointed if Manchester United fail to guarantee their Champions League last 16 berth tonight.
Louis van Gaal’s men are currently leading Group B of the competition and a win over PSV Eindhoven later tonight at Old Trafford will book a place for them in the first knockout round of the Champions League.
While Manchester United started their campaign with a defeat at PSV, Van Gaal’s men are upbeat before the return fixture at their home ground and are confident of putting one over on Phillip Cocu’s side.
Smalling believes Manchester United find themselves in a great position in the group and could not hope for a better scenario in their first season back in the competition after a year-long hiatus.
“It is a great position to be in", Smalling explained in the official matchday programme.
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“Despite the first loss, we knew that if we won our home games then we’d have a good chance of going through. We couldn’t have asked for more than having a home game to seal our passage through to the knockout stages.”
The defender feels that at home Manchester United are always favourites to win and the opponents are aware that they won’t find any easy break against a side who have been in good defensive shape in recent days.
Smalling thinks it would be a shame if the Red Devils fail to guarantee their last 16 berth by the time the final whistle is blown at Old Trafford tonight.
“At home, when we start the game very well then the opposition know that they are in for a very hard game.
"When we move the ball quickly, there are only so many times that they can stay in their shape and eventually we will find those gaps.
"At Old Trafford we have been very good this season.
“It will be great to get the job done tonight and we’ll all be disappointed if we come off the field without qualifying.
"Our home games are crucial and we are very good in front of our fans.”
