Smith will be a United favourite, says Neville

Manchester United supporters will take striker Alan Smith to their hearts, according to Old Trafford defender Gary Neville.

Smith decided to make the move from Leeds to their bitter rivals after relegation was confirmed.

Neville believes he can go on and settle in as well as Eric Cantona and Rio Ferdinand, who also made the switch over the Pennines.

“The United fans will absolutely love Alan Smith, “ the England full back told MUTV. “I will be amazed and surprised if they do not.

“You have to remember we have seen Eric Cantona and Rio Ferdinand come over here.

“I don’t think Alan Smith is any different although he is a Leeds lad and has grown up supporting Leeds.”

Neville said he got a better indication of Smith’s qualities while on international duty.

“He is just a really good player and he surprised me last year when he came with England how good he was.

“Alan is someone who will rattle a few cages and we need that.”