SMALLING: WHY I VOTED FOR VALENCIA

Manchester United centre-back Chris Smalling has voted for fellow defender Antonio Valencia as the Players' Player of the Year for 2016/17.

Smalling received the same accolade last season after earning the acclaim of his team-mates; the outcome of this year's squad poll will be announced during Thursday's awards evening at Old Trafford.

In an interview to be shown in MUTV 's Match Day Live tonight, Smalling revealed: "There were two players I thought of voting for. Zlatan, because he's been our talisman this season, the one scoring the goals. But I actually voted for Antonio.

"I think Antonio has been so consistent, at times he's been our outlet, whether he's been playing at right-back or on the right wing.

He's been so dependable as well, not just in an attacking sense, but also when he's been defending. Any winger or striker that comes up against him has to get around him. That means they have to be stronger or quicker than him, and neither of those is easy!"

Valencia is also among the front-runners for the Sir Matt Busby Player of the Year award, as voted for by the fans on ManUtd.com .

Ibrahimovic and Ander Herrera are two of his main competitors in what could be the club's closest online poll for many years . "Antonio would be a worthy winner in my eyes," added Smalling, "but then so would the other two. They're all good choices."

Fans can vote in four online polls - including Player of the Year and Goal of the Season - at www.manutd.com/awards until 16:00 BST on Thursday.