Smith Receives Plaudits

Alan Smith inspired a second-string Manchester United team to a 3-0 victory over Championship side Crewe.



Crewe boss, Dario Gradi, heaped praise on Alan Smith after admitting his own team were second best.

"Smith was the outstanding player on the pitch. He caused us all sorts of problems. It appears Sir Alex got his team selection just right."

Sir Alex Ferguson made 11 changes to the team that beat Arsenal on Sunday but the new-look side took only 10 minutes before Smith calmly slotted the ball past the advancing Ben Williams.

With Ruud van Nistelrooy banned for the next two games, Ferguson has the perfect replacement to keep his side firing on all cylinders.

Alan Smith has now taken his goalscoring tally to 7 for the season.