so it turns out he never had a thread but he did sign until 2019 which is good news http://www1.skysports.com/football/...r-chris-smalling-signs-new-four-year-contract
Very few center backs hit anything close to their peak at the age Smalling was bought by United and at 25 he should just be entering his prime. Contrary to popular knee jerk belief, players improve.
boss congratulates him + comments about Smalling: http://twii.edgeboss.net/download/twii/manutd/video_mufc_210415_UT2.mp4
Our best defender by miles. Happy that he's re-signed. Now go get him a proper CB partner (Hummels, Varane, Laporte).
The growth in Smalling from the start of last season and that dumb red and Man City to his form so far this season is startling. He is coming into his own as team leader, quality defender and clutch guy. Are watching the birth of a new club stalwart and legend. I remember when SAF bought Vidic and I was like who!?! But after that half season he turned into all we could ever hope for at CB. It feels like Smalling is making those same strides but at a younger age and could be around for a while. I am talking future captain.
The potential was crystal clear from day 1. He always had all the brains, talent and physical tools. He just needed to improve his concentration and understanding.
Of all 3 guys who were suppose to take over in central defense after Rio and Vidic left, he's the only one of the trio who has really took his chance and taken his game to the next level to what it is today. Evans was the one Van Gaal obviously was ready to turn to but he never was able to recover his fantastic form of a few years back and is now gone from the club. And Jones, might still get there, but he certainly hasn't progressed the way he was supposed to either. Managing to stay healthy has been a major plus for Smalling, but his maturity and dedication are the reason why he is where is now. It can be argued that Van Gaal "rode" him pretty hard, especially after he got sent off last yr at the Etihad, but to his credit, he's taken what Van Gaal said about him in, kept his head down and simply got on with it. That obviously hasn't gone unnoticed by Van Gaal either bc as he's third in line for the captaincy after Rooney and Carrick and one of the undisputed leaders in the team as well. For my money, he's easily one of the best CBs in the league and remain convinced that he can get even better if he get a top shelf guy beside him. Blind was a nice temporary solution, but we've seen the difference in Smalls alone with a real CB next to him. He's simply been fantastic.
Without a doubt one of the best CBs in the league at the moment: 100% aerial duels won 76% pass accuracy 5 clearances 4 interceptions 2 chances created 1 assist
He's been superb this year. Of the random bag we had at CB (Smalling, Jones, Evans, Rojo) - he made his way.
Just watched the CSKA game and he was the only person that has consistently started in the back for MU. He will be the new captain when Rooney is sold.
This thing where LVG keeps calling him Mike was funny at first but now seems a bit disrespectful. Learn your best player's name. And he should be captain.
Smalling can always opt to go with one of those numbers next season, if he so chooses. This is proof to me that there is something to be said about being patient and selective as to who is given iconic shirt #. Smalling with his play in the last year has fully earned it, plus he wasn't bogged down with any additional pressure of living up something he necessarily wasn't then...