Chris Smalling would relish the challenge of added competition at Manchester United as rumours persist of the club making a move for Real Madrid defender SergioRamos.
La Liga giants Real have long been linked with United goalkeeper David de Gea, but rumours suggest that manager Louis van Gaal is only willing to sell if Ramos is allowed to come to Old Trafford.
"There is always competition at Manchester United," Smalling said. "When I signed there were five centre-backs already here.
"I had to work hard to get past them. At this club you are always going to be compared with the best and you always play with the best."
"I hope my performances keep me in the team," he added. "Once you set a benchmark it is matter of aiming higher. You cannot afford to drop them.
"I want to make a good start to the season. After that it will just be a question of kicking on."
