Actually, Phil Jones could have easily gone in this slot instead.
Both had so much promise and came to the club young with reputations that were only set to rise as their experience did.
Well for whatever reason that has not happened and Smalling – along with Jones – has gone backwards.
Now clearly not good enough for the side that Van Gaal is trying to build, the best thing to do would be to cut all losses and wield the axe.