Chris Smalling says Manchester United players 'on toes' in transfer window

Chris Smalling says Manchester United's players will be 'on their toes' this month because of the potential for new arrivals to threaten their place in the team.

United are being linked with a whole host of players from around the world, though there have been no arrivals since the January transfer window opened on January 2.

Boss Louis van Gaal has been disrupted by a series of injuries to defenders, and Smalling says reports that United could bring in reinforcements this month has an effect.

"It does spur you on. When you come to Manchester United, in every transfer window - whether the team is doing well or badly - there are always players linked with the club because this club is always linked with the best players," Smalling told the club's official website.

"It keeps you on your toes and spurs you on. You can't rest on six months of good performances because as soon as you have a blip, there is always another player to take your place."

Smalling, 26, has been in hugely impressive form this season and he is hoping to continue his development in 2016.

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"I have stayed relatively injury-free and have been able to play games, build up and keep learning. I take a lot of positives from that," Smalling said.

"We have had a lot of injuries in the centre-back positions, so in these last 12 months I have been happy and injury-free with the manager's faith.

"I don't make too many resolutions but if I can stay injury-free again then I would wish for that."