Manchester United defender signs four-year deal
Manchester United have announced that defender Chris Smalling has put pen-to-paper on a new four-year deal keeping him at the club until 2019.
The England international has been a regular for Louis Van Gaal this season due to serious injury problems at the back, but he has been one of The Red Devils more consistent players.
Since arriving from Fulham, Smalling has won two Premier League titles and has made just shy of 150 appearances for the club, scoring nine goals in the process.
The 25-year-old was heavily linked with a move away from Old Trafford last Summer, with Arsenal interested, but Van Gaal decided to keep the Englishman after failing to bring in any new centre-backs.
After signing the deal, Smalling revealed his delight at committing his future to the club.
Formal Statements
Smalling said: “I’m delighted to sign my new contract. I am so proud to play for such a great club.
“We have developed as a team over the course of the season under Louis van Gaal and we are now playing as a complete unit.
“This is a very exciting time to be at Manchester United, we are all determined to get back to where we belong and competing at the highest level.”
Van Gaal was quick to praise the centre-back for the development he has shown since the Dutchman took over at the club.
He said: “Chris has improved and developed immensely during the short time that I have been at the club and has become an integral part of the first-team squad.
“He always conducts himself in a very professional manner and it is also pleasing that he has scored some important goals this season too. I am delighted he has signed a new contract.”
Written by Alex Batt – @AlexBatt – @AlexsArticles
