It was an evening to forget for Manchester United fans as their team began the new Premier League season with a humiliating defeat at home to Crystal Palace.
Roy Hodgson's side were excellent in their opening day defeat but United can't ignore the part they played in the loss with such an underwhelming display.
The poor performance encapsulated every fear held about the current United side with poor squad depth exposed amid dire defending and lacklustre attacking structure.
Defensive duo Victor Lindelof and Harry Maguire were hammered for their role in the defeat and after the game supporters and pundits argued in favour of a new centre-back signing before next month's transfer deadline.
It is obvious United need new players before the summer is up, but a few fans have argued that Chris Smalling could be worth a shot given his excellent season with Roma.
The Italian club are still in talks over a possible move for the English defender plenty of supporters believe he deserves another chance at Old Trafford this season.
Deserves a chance?
I dunno why ole wouldn’t try #smalling and maguire to see what they can do. He has pace he’s tall and better the lindeloff. #mufc @markgoldbridge what do you think or is he gone.
— Richie R (@Richiee1985) September 20, 2020
A better option
What has happened to Chris Smalling? He had relatively solid season at Roma...surely a better option than Lindelof for now? #MUFC
— Denise Evans (@DeniseKEvans) September 20, 2020
Controversial
A centre-back partnership of Chris smalling and Eric Bailly is miles ahead a partnership of Victor Lindelöf and Harry Maguire btw pic.twitter.com/xPOcSyhXwr
— Caleb . (@Caleb_Mufc) September 19, 2020
Simple question
Where’s Smalling?
— (@dipsMUFC) September 20, 2020
A fair argument
I've had enough for Lindelof at mg club. Would rather see Smalling than him.
— Shibani (@shibani_mufc) September 20, 2020
Can't get much worse
Start Smalling next week idc. Best cb at the club
— isaac (@MUFC__1999) September 19, 2020
United are still open to selling Smalling this summer as they look to trim their defensive options, with the 30-year-old seen as more marketable than Marcos Rojo or Phil Jones, who are both also surplus to requirements.
