It's a shame that illness robbed Chris Smalling of the chance to line up against Aston Villa on Saturday.
Smalling would have almost certainly started at Old Trafford had he recovered from the illness that forced him off during the first half of England's friendly with Italy last week.
He was replaced in the team by Marcos Rojo. And with Louis van Gaal in no mood to make too many changes to his XI in the final weeks of the season, Rojo might now expect to keep his place for Sunday's Manchester derby.
It was unfortunate for Smalling, who had started five consecutive games for the first time this season and was enjoying his best spell under Van Gaal. Having kept Harry Kane and Daniel Sturridge quiet in vital wins over Tottenham and Liverpool, respectively, he was perhaps enjoying his best spell as a United player.
It has a been a roller-coaster season for Smalling. After he got stupidly got himself sent off against Manchester City in November, there were some United fans who would have happily sold him then and there.
But he's won over a lot of the supporters in the last four months, and while most would like Van Gaal to sign another centre-half in the summer, many want to keep Smalling as well.
He has been part of a defence that has taken a lot of criticism this season. But after all the tactical tweaks and personnel changes, United still have one of the best defensive records in the Premier League; only Chelsea and Southampton have conceded fewer goals.
Still, the three centre-backs Van Gaal inherited—Smalling, Phil Jones and Jonny Evans—are all vulnerable in the summer.
United are expected to bring in another centre-back before next season, and there won't be enough games to go around.
Smalling, however, has done his chances of staying at Old Trafford next season no harm at all. At 25 years old, he's not young enough to still be a prospect but hasn't yet hit his peak years either. Evans, two years older, should already be close to the finished article.
There will be plenty of debate about Smalling's future this summer, especially if Van Gaal gets his new centre-half. The same will be true of Jones' and Evans' futures as well.
But by playing a key part in United's revival following the defeat at Swansea in February, Smalling has shown Van Gaal he's capable of playing a part in the Dutchman's squad.
Illness cost him his place in the team for the win over Aston Villa on Saturday; he should be allowed the opportunity to win it back.
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