Van Persie, of course, won the FA Cup in Arsenal colours, albeit as a substitute, as they beat United on penalties in 2005.
"It's been said that there's not many players (at United) who have won it," Smalling acknowledges, while adding this season there is the "extra incentive" of a semi-final at Wembley Stadium against Manchester City.
"That was definitely the case when we saw the draw," the 23-year-old defender admits. "But we need to make sure we get past Chelsea, which won't be easy."
Indeed Chelsea's cup record is formidable, having triumphed four times since United last won it. They are, of course, the current holders and were unfortunate not to have beaten their opponents at Old Trafford in the first tie.
But, for United, finishing without a trophy last season, and the manner of losing the Premier League title on the final day of the campaign to City, on goal difference, is further motivation.
"None of us wants to have that feeling again," Smalling, who was injured at the time, says. "It was a horrible feeling and we had all summer to dwell on it.
"But as soon as that first day of pre-season came around, everybody was firing, new players came in and even when we've been down a goal or two we've shown that spirit that we don't want to experience that same feeling again."
The league title is all but recaptured with Smalling adding that the hunger shown by the likes of Giggs, even after all he has achieved, sets the benchmark for the younger players.
Last season's disappointment followed winning the Premier League title in Smalling's first season at United, while much of the last year was affected by a series of injuries.
"Now my season is up and running," Smalling says. "It didn't get going until November, so I need to get as many games in as possible now and show the managers that they can count on me because they want that consistency from a young player."
The "managers" refers also to England's Roy Hodgson – who sold Smalling to United – and started him in his favoured position of centre-half for the last two World Cup qualifiers away to San Marino and Montenegro.
Smalling now has six caps for England and, more significantly, has started the last three internationals including the friendly victory over Brazil.
"These are the games you want to play in and you don't want to shy away and watch from the stand just because it's an intimidating atmosphere," Smalling says.
"If I can play solidly and force my way into Roy Hodgson's head and impress Sir Alex back at home, then I can play more of these games.
"But it's about your reaction and the manager wants to see that reaction. If I get my chance, then I'm going to take it."
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