Chris Smalling signs Manchester United contract to keep him at Old Trafford until June 2022

Smalling has made almost 200 appearances for Manchester United

Jack Watson
Saturday 15 December 2018 19:30 GMT
Comments
Manchester United: A look back at 2018

Your support helps us to tell the story

From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.

At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.

The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.

Your support makes all the difference.

Chris Smalling has signed a new contract at Manchester United to keep him at the club until June 2022, with the option to extend that by one year.

Sir Alex Ferguson brought Smalling to United from Fulham in 2010 and the former Maidstone United defender has made almost 200 appearances during his time at Old Trafford.

The English defender has won two Premier League titles, one FA Cup, and the Europa League, amongst others, during his spell in Manchester and remains a first-team player under Jose Mourinho’s management.

Smalling has been out of favour in the England team since his 31st and most recent cap in 2017, but the defender is pleased with his development at his club.

“This is my ninth season with the club and I am delighted to be continuing my progression with this team,” said Smalling.

Chris Smalling has made almost 200 appearances for Manchester United
Chris Smalling has made almost 200 appearances for Manchester United (AP)

“It is a real honour to play for Manchester United and we are all now concentrating on the busy schedule of games throughout the festive period.”

In a tweet, Smalling it's ‘an honour’ to continue to play for United and thanks the staff that have helped him develop during his spell at the club.

"I am delighted to continue my journey with United. It's an honour to play for this club & I wanted to take the opp to thank all staff associated with it over the last 9 seasons, my team mates past & present, & the fans who continue to show support for the squad game in game out," he said on social media.

Mourinho expressed his delight at the news and said Smalling’s leadership qualities are important to the side.

“I am very happy Chris has signed a new contract,” he said. “Chris has been with the club for a number of years and is now one of the senior players within our squad.”

United are preparing to play Liverpool at Anfield on Sunday looking to claw back the eight-point gap between them and fourth place.

Join our commenting forum

Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies

Comments

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in