The England centre-back Chris Smalling has extended his contract with Premier League football club Manchester United until 2019.
Chris Smalling of Man Utd battles with Peter Crouch of Stoke. Photo: PHOTOSPORT
25-year-old Smalling joined the Premier League giants from Fulham in a 20 million dollar deal five years ago and is enjoying his best season to date at Old Trafford, having made 23 appearances and scoring four goals.
United manager Louis van gaal says Chris has improved and developed immensely during the short time that he's been at the club and has become an integral part of the first-team squad.
He says he always conducts himself in a very professional manner and it is also pleasing that he has scored some important goals this season, too.... he's delighted he has signed a new contract.
Smalling, who can also play at right-back, has made 147 appearances for United, scoring nine goals, and has won two Premier League titles with the club.
His opportunities at Old Trafford were initially limited by the presence of Rio Ferdinand and Nemanja Vidic, but with both players having left the club last year, he has become an important member of United's defence.
Smalling says they've developed as a team over the course of the season under Louis van Gaal and we are now playing as a complete unit.
Having represented England at schools under-18, under-20 and under-21 levels, Smalling made his senior international debut against Bulgaria in September 2011 and has won 16 caps.
