Manchester United defender Chris Smalling has suggested that his side can achieve anything this season after moving to the top of the Premier League this weekend.

The 25-year-old - who joined the Red Devils from Fulham in 2010 - has been an ever-present for the club so far this season, and the England international believes that they can challenge on every front.

"We have improved," Smalling told United Review. "Last season's start was disastrous and it didn't give us a foothold to be able to challenge for anything. We know that we have improved in this section of the season, and we now have to improve in each other section compared to last season and aim a lot higher.

"Our aim is to be competitive in all of the competitions and to make sure that we finish higher in the Premier League than we did last season. If we keep this consistent run from the start, and can maintain that all the way through, then I don't think anything is out of reach.

"If you show that consistency then you will always be there or thereabouts. If you're near the top by Christmas, you then want a strong finish and a bit of luck on your side as well."

Smalling has made 162 appearances for United, scoring nine goals.