(Reuters) - Manchester United defender Chris Smalling is wary of the threat posed by Leicester City striker Jamie Vardy but is looking forward to the challenge of keeping the speed merchant in check on Saturday. Vardy was a key component in Leicester's title-winning campaign in 2015/16 and has scored seven goals in 18 league matches this season, along with a League Cup goal in the midweek defeat by Manchester City. Smalling said United's defenders would not be able to relax for a moment at the King Power Stadium. "He runs in behind which, as a defender, is the hardest thing to deal with, but I will be looking forward to that battle and, hopefully, I'll be ready to keep him quiet." "You know their qualities and their wingers - Demarai Gray is coming into the team and Riyad Mahrez is in form as well," said Smalling.

Source: The Star December 22, 2017 06:45 UTC