Manchester United defender Chris Smalling is confident he can slot perfectly into Louis van Gaal's first-team plans this season.

Van Gaal has made it clear he wants United to line up in the 5-3-2 formation he used during the latter stages of the World Cup with Holland.

With only three centre-halves on his books, Van Gaal has already admitted he needs reinforcements. The former Holland manager is actively pursuing Thomas Vermaelen, Stefan de Vrij and Mats Hummels, although signing the latter is proving problematic as Borussia Dortmund do not want to sell another star this summer after losing striker Robert Lewandowski to Bayern Munich.

Smalling started 21 Premier League games last term under David Moyes, but he has looked sharp in both friendlies on United's tour of the United States and he thinks Van Gaal's system suits him well.

Smalling said: "Being part of that formation means you have a lot of responsibility.

"We really have to go out there and attack and be nice and aggressive. I would like to think that's my game.

"I played in a back three when I was younger, not since I turned professional, but we are all picking it up and enjoying it.

"Communication is key, but we get on well so that's not really an issue."