The England international has grown into United's key defensive figure in 2015-16, helping Louis van Gaal's men to three consecutive Premier League clean sheets alongside makeshift centre-back partner Daley Blind and full-backs Luke Shaw and Matteo Darmian.
Smalling has previously seen injuries prevent him from performing and playing on a consistent basis but the 25-year-old is now fit and firing under Van Gaal's leadership after coming out on top against Aleksandar Mitrovic in a physical battle during Saturday's goalless draw with Newcastle.
"I have always liked that competition with the striker and obviously Daley is not that sort of centre-back who is going to dominate so it's a case of I take that mantle on and I am enjoying it," the defender told reporters.
"I wouldn't say I hadn't done it previously in games because I feel like I bullied quite a few players in matches but it's a case of making sure there is that consistency and, hopefully, I can get that consistency where it can be on show every week.
"I feel like I am playing well and I am enjoying my football. It is good to keep playing each game and knowing that there are not too many changes at the moment because we are doing well, so I hope to keep that up.
"It's comfortable playing next to Daley. Sometimes, if there is a big opponent, we will swap around but he can handle himself as well so I am enjoying playing alongside him."
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