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Chris Smalling disciplined by Moyes

David Moyes has disciplined Manchester United defender Chris Smalling after he was pictured outside a nightclub in the early hours of Saturday morning.

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The England international had allegedly been drinking and was photographed dancing in the Spinningfield area of Manchester.

Smalling, who has a hamstring injury, had not travelled to London for United’s 2-0 win over West Ham but Moyes was unhappy he was out at around 3 a.m.

He told a number of English newspapers: “I’ve dealt with it and I’ve spoken to Chris. That would be as much as I would want to say on it.”

Moyes had backed Smalling when he was the subject of controversy two months ago after being pictured seemingly in the guise of a suicide bomber at a fancy-dress party.

Smalling could now miss Tuesday’s Manchester derby and Moyes, who had to field midfielder Michael Carrick in defence at Upton Park, is waiting to see if either Rio Ferdinand or Jonny Evans will be fit to return and partner centre-back Phil Jones.

United have only recorded one league win against a team currently in the top nine under Moyes and the Scot is eager to add another when Manchester City visit Old Trafford.

He added: “It’s important to win all the games. Big teams or small teams, you want to win them all. But we want to beat the top teams as well as the bottom teams.”