Smith Requests More Important Role

Manchester United forward Alan Smith seems to be getting frustrated for the first time as a Red Devil due to a lack of opportunities in big matches.

Smith has been out of action for the past month with an ankle injury and is itching wants to get back into the fray.

The former Elland Road favourite made a surprise impact in his first few months at Old Trafford, netting on his debut in the Community Shield against Arsenal and on 8 other occasions.

England international Smith confessed: "I don't just want to be a bit-part player and then pick up a trophy"

"When people come to Manchester United they say they want to be here to win things" he added. "I want to be an essential part in winning those things"

"For me it is vital that you have that sort of attitude. You have to want to be part of it and make sure you give something to the team"

"It is important to try and make the team better - that is why I came here"

Smith made the controversial trip across the Pennines back in the summer, following in the footsteps of such stars as Rio Ferdinand and Eric Cantona.