Louis van Gaal is pleased with how he has managed to develop Manchester United defender Chris Smalling, but does not want to dub the player "crucial".
Smalling has received plaudits for his performances under Van Gaal this season and has been a key man in a tight Manchester United rearguard.
Van Gaal is sure his coaching staff at Old Trafford have improved the centre-back and insists that developing players is why he is in management.
However, when asked how crucial Smalling has been, Van Gaal refused to go into detail beyond his development.
"We have just developed players which is the essence of why I am a coach", Van Gaal told a press conference.
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"I like to help players in their development and he has developed himself in many, many ways. Not in one particular aspect, but in many aspects and that's why you can see he is a different player for yourself.
"I don't want to answer that question [about how crucial he has been] because it is too positive", the Dutchman added.
Van Gaal will be hoping Smalling can again be at his best this weekend when Manchester United make the trip to Vicarage Road to take on Premier League new boys Watford.
Manchester United are without Anthony Martial and Wayne Rooney for the fixture, meaning extra emphasis will be placed on the defence to keep the Hornets at bay.
