Manchester United defender Chris Smalling has rubbished suggestions that the team are not playing for manager Louis van Gaal, whose position is under pressure following eight games without a win.

The Red Devils are sixth in the Premier League table, five points off fourth and nine adrift of leaders Arsenal.

Van Gaal's future at Old Trafford has been questioned, but the man himself claimed on Monday that there was "no reason" to sack him following his side's goalless draw against Chelsea.

Smalling believes that the team are not only playing for Van Gaal, but their own futures at the illustrious club.

"That's silly to say we're not playing for him," The Mirror quotes Smalling as saying. "If anything, we're all playing for our own futures as well, so it's not a case of anyone not playing for the manager.

"Every week we want to go out there and show everyone what a good team we are and that on our day we can beat anyone.

"[Van Gaal's] not going to change and that's why he has had a lot of success throughout the years. I can't ever see him changing because he's got a proven track record."

United's next game is at home to Swansea City on Saturday.