SMITH LIKES LIFE AT OLD TRAFFORD

Last updated : 05 September 2004 By Editor

Smith: "A lot of people said coming here was a brave decision but all the lads, the staff and the fans have made me feel very welcome and helped me settle in really well.

"It is different mainly because it's the first time I've had to move away from my family which obviously takes a lot of time to get used to.

"But when you're out on the training field and out on the pitch, that's the time when you enjoy it.

"It's only when you leave the training ground and go home to an empty house that you get a bit down on yourself.

"When you're training and playing matches you just have to concentrate on that. The less time I've got on my hands the better it is for me.

"I'd rather be down at the training ground or playing matches than back at home getting bored!

"United don't settle for second best. That's a bit strange for me because towards the end of my time at Leeds we used to look more at the opposition rather than ourselves.

"Every game was like a Cup final because we were trying to stay in the Premiership, but at United every match is a big one because everybody wants to beat you; that's the biggest difference I've found since I've been here.

"But there are enough characters and quality in the dressing room to make sure that we do win football matches
.

"When you come to a club like United you realise that everybody's going to get an opportunity at some point because we've got so many games.

"It's vital to have a big squad these days and it gives all the players a chance to show what they can do. Squad rotation is very important.

"Once we get everyone fit again, hopefully we'll start firing on all cylinders
."