Smalling Was The Main Star Against Manchester City – Matic

Chris Smalling was the “main star” of Manchester United’s derby victory over Manchester City, according to Nemanja Matic.

Smalling, meanwhile, had a mixed afternoon. He was at fault for City’s opener after losing Vincent Kompany at a corner but then volleyed in Alexis Sanchez’s free kick to score the winner.

“I just want to say one thing,” Matic told MUTV. “I think Chris Smalling was the main star.

“This is the best game for our fans because I know what it means to them, especially when we know that if they won they would win the league and we didn’t allow them to celebrate in front of our supporters.

“I think it is for our fans, it was the best way to show the pride and the best way to show how we fight for our club.”

Despite Smalling’s contribution, it was Pogba who stole the show with two goals in three minutes after half-time.

The 25-year-old has been in and out of Mourinho’s team during the second half of the season but Matic insists the Frenchman is vital to United’s hopes of wrestling the title back from City next term.

“He needs to be our main player because when he plays in that position he needs to resolve the games and he needs to take responsibilities,” Matic added.

“Don’t forget he had some injuries this season and that he had three months out and it’s not easy to come back after that. People expect a lot from you when you play in Man United.”