Manchester United defender Chris Smalling understands fans' frustrations this season.

Although the Reds drew level with Manchester City at the top of the table on Saturday and have amassed more points now than at the same stage of last season's title-winning campaign, the young defender is sympathetic with those demanding more.

"I can understand it," he told matchday programme United Review. "We're second in the league and expectations of this club - from both inside and out - are massive. If we're not on top then everybody's asking why. Rightly so, too.

"Finishing second with more points than we collected last season won't make us feel any better about ourselves. The only objective is to win the league."