And there must have been times during the last 14 months that even the grittiest of York- shiremen must have wondered if he would ever be the player he was before he suffered that leg and ankle break against Liverpool in the FA Cup.
Well, last night, Smith showed he has courage by the bucket-load by taking on one of the best defences in Italian football and hassling them until they collapsed in submission.
And sweetest of all for the 26-year-old, he scored his first goal for the Reds since his return from that career-threatening injury.
It was a beautifully-taken goal too and one that really mattered, as it gave United the chance to build on Michael Carrick's early opener and turn in the sort of performance that ranks as their greatest in Europe.
Composure
Smith's composure as he darted on to Ryan Giggs' through pass to slot the ball confidently beyond Roma's Brazilian keeper Doni was a joy to behold.
And it was the striker's first goal in a United shirt since netting in a 3-1 Premiership win at Charlton in November 2005.
But it wasn't just a rediscovery of Smith's goal touch that will have had Sir Alex Ferguson beaming.
It was the way the little terrier nipped and chipped away at Roma's defence.
There was genuine surprise in the stands last night when news came through that Ferguson had decided that Smith, and not Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, would start alongside Wayne Rooney up-front. Maybe Fergie knew something that those in the stands did not. Maybe the United boss had seen that Smith's hunger was just what was needed for the battle against a side lying second in Serie A.
And as he has been so many times in his 20 years and six months in the Old Trafford hot-seat, Fergie was proved spectacularly right.
By the end of the night, with Smith having the time of his life and Roma utterly humiliated, the message was clear. Alan Smith was back.
What do you think? Have your say.
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bobbydazzler (11/04/2007 at 09:14)
Davey Boy, Kuwait (11/04/2007 at 09:17)
Alias Smith, over the moon (11/04/2007 at 09:32)
george (11/04/2007 at 09:54)
On that form he's in the team up front with Rooney.If Fletcher held that form...he'd be in instead of Scholes.UNITED can improve their consistency in the next two seasons by replacing old legs with fresher legs.How 11 players could play in that kind of harmony for virtually the whole game is astounding.Every shot was a goal! (well nearly) Every player on the planet would've wanted to play in that UNITED team last night.Real Madrid,Barcelona looks like minor league football compared to our Conquistadores.
Joe, Malta (11/04/2007 at 10:53)
cheeseyrimmer1, tameside (11/04/2007 at 11:03)
Nathan, Finchampstead (11/04/2007 at 11:05)
Mick, Dublin (11/04/2007 at 11:07)
We should definitely hold onto Smith this summer. He brings a fire and passion into the players around him that's been missing since Keano left.
The likes of Carricka and Fletcher are classy passers of the ball but often lack bite. When you've got Smith fizzing about the place it brings out some much-needed aggression in everyone else and, last night, Carrick and Fletch imposed themselves in midfield more than at any time this season. Take a bow, Smudger, you are now Manchetser United through and through.
Alias Smith, over the moon (11/04/2007 at 11:18)
cheeseyrimmer1, tameside (11/04/2007 at 11:30)
chris spence, Altrincham (11/04/2007 at 12:33)
One of many, many Cheadle Reds, Cheadle (11/04/2007 at 12:36)
george (11/04/2007 at 12:37)
Balders, Tier 2 Stretford (11/04/2007 at 12:52)
michael percy (11/04/2007 at 13:25)
Danny, Wilmslow (11/04/2007 at 13:38)
Kevin, Tralee, Eire (11/04/2007 at 13:41)
Demo, Glossop (11/04/2007 at 13:50)
dupont, Tinajin (11/04/2007 at 14:11)
Jimmy the gent, south coast (11/04/2007 at 14:44)
But I really want to put a word for Darren Fletcher who got a hammering on these pages prior to the game.
I accept he is a player who perhaps has good moments but not great games, but last night he put in a fantastic performance and was all over Totti like a cheap suit...and that display was second game back after ankle ligament damage....well played my son.. now keep it up. Because for me it was the snapping tackles and the pressing of Roma that was the foundation of the performance.
Douglas Davidson, aberdeen (11/04/2007 at 15:45)
a. No one tries harder than Alan Smith but at the highest level he doesn't measure up.His plus points are his undoubted enthusiasm and the fact that he is above average in the air for his height.Against this he has no pace,does not conjure goals out of nothing,is liable to be booked in everymatch and is plainly not a finisher [ 12 goals in 85 appearances ]
b, Ole is past his sell by date [even less pace than Smith ] and despite his magnificent contributions over the years needs to join the back room staff.
Accordingly given that Saha is the real deal [when fit] we absolutely need another goalscorer for back up. No, not Torres, his goalscoring record is mediocre.
Save the money on Hargreaves, as I really believe that Fletcher can be every bit as good - energy, committment and can pass the ball despite all negative posts you can read on this site. Remember Fergie is totally ruthless and would not have persevered with Fletcher unless he was totally convinced of his ability.
Demo, Glossop (11/04/2007 at 16:19)
Agree on ole tho he is at best at last 20 min sub to pop up in the right place to score but doesnt hav the legs
Danny, Wilmslow (11/04/2007 at 18:30)
Loyal to the End (31 years, City Fans, 31 years), Nottingham, ex-Malaysia (12/04/2007 at 18:07)