Chris Smalling would not be fazed if Manchester United were to recruit Real Madrid’s Sergio Ramos or any other elite defender to challenge for a position in Louis van Gaal’s team.

Ramos is wanted by the manager to bolster his rearguard. Yet when asked about the prospect Smalling, who signed a new deal last season that ties him to United until 2019, said: “I think it’s a case of where at Manchester United there’s always competition. Even when I signed [the fresh terms] there were five centre-backs who I had to work hard to get past,” the 25-year-old said.

“So I always knew I was going to be compared against the best because United can always challenge for the best and I’m up for that challenge.”

Last season Smalling established himself as a first choice under Van Gaal and captained the side. “I hope high performances can keep me in the team,” the central defender said. “I think once you set a new benchmark it’s a case of aiming higher and not letting your standards drop below that and I’m hoping for an injury-free start to the season and the season in general.”