Manchester United manager Louis van Gaal says Chris Smalling will be future captain

Louis van Gaal believes Chris Smalling will one day become Manchester United captain.

The United manager branded Smalling "stupid" last year for his performance in the Manchester derby at the Etihad Stadium when he was dismissed for two bookable offences.

But the England international has impressed this season and looks set to start Sunday's Sky Live match against their rivals at Old Trafford.

Van Gaal handed Smalling a new four-year contract in April and has tipped him to take the captain's armband once Wayne Rooney and Michael Carrick retire.

"Wayne Rooney is the captain and so you don't have worry and then (vice-captain) Michael Carrick, but when they are gone, then Chris Smalling can do that, so I push him also in that situation," he said.