Chris Smalling told MUTV that his tremendous form this season is mostly down to the media speculation linking Manchester United with a new centre-back last summer.
Smalling has improved immensely over the last year, and has made more appearances than any other United players this campaign, but it didn't stop the persistent rumours of United wanting to sign another centre-back, and Smalling knows he most perform well to keep his place or risk Louis van Gaal selling him.
Smalling reveals the fear of getting replaced spurs him on to do his best
Smalling said the media speculation "does spur you on" as every player who is linked with United are the "best players" so therefore it pushes the remaining players to up their game to stay in the team.
Smalling continued to say "you can't rest on six months of good performances" with United as they need all the players to contribute going forward, and if you "have a blip, there is always another player to take your place".
Smalling was at a low point when he was sent off versus Manchester City
After the game against Manchester City in 2014, everything was against Smalling after his sending off which ultimately cost United the game. However, since that Smalling has come back a new player, and is one of the contenders for player of the year, and Smalling is looking to improve even more in 2016.
Smalling on his form during 2015 said "I have been happy with the past year, I have stayed relatively injury free and have been able to play games" as the previous years Smalling has had a number of different injury problems, but he seems to have put them behind them now and is looking forward to improving even more.
Smalling wants to go to the Euros with England in the summer
It is a big year for Smalling with the Euros in the summer with England, and the defender says he doesn't make "too many resolutions but if I can stay injury free again then I would wish that" as it means he can show that he is ready for the Euros in the summer, and try his best to win something with United.