Smith happy to stay at United

14 April 2012

Alan Smith has no intention of quitting Manchester United this summer even though he looks certain to start tomorrow's FA Cup Final on the bench.

The England striker received death threats from Leeds fans after abandoning his hometown club for Old Trafford in a £6million last summer.

Smith's wholehearted style has allowed him to battle through some initial scepticism from the United support to become one of the most popular players in Sir Alex Ferguson's squad and he scored his 10th goal of the campaign in the 4-0 hammering of Charlton last month.

It might not do him any favours when Ferguson comes to select his side to face Arsenal though. Ruud van Nistelrooy and Wayne Rooney are certain starters, so unless the Scot springs a surprise by axing Paul Scholes or Cristiano Ronaldo, Smith will be a substitute at best.

The move would only fuel rumours that Smith will leave United during the close season as Ferguson looks to reshape his squad following Malcolm Glazer's takeover.

But the 24-year-old, who should add to his 12 international caps on England's two-match tour of the United States later this month, is adamant he has no regrets about joining the Red Devils and is not thinking about moving out.

"I enjoy every minute at Manchester United and have done since the moment I came here," he told MUTV. "Long may that continue."

The longest run Smith had in the FA Cup with Leeds was a pair of fifth-round appearances in 1999 and 2003 which ended in defeat to Tottenham and Aston Villa respectively.

An ankle injury has limited the Rothwell-born forward to just two substitute appearances in this season's competition but Ferguson is sure to want his abrasive presence beside him as United look to turn Arsenal over for the fourth time this season.

"We have done well against Arsenal so far but this is the important one," acknowledged Smith.

"It is probably the biggest cup final for some time given the rivalry between us and Arsenal and things that have happened this season and in the years gone by.

"We will both be disappointed to finish so far behind Chelsea in the Premiership and this is the only trophy either of us can win now. We are determined it is going to be us."

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