Seriously doubt Jose would ever sanction that move. Smalling has clearly gained his trust this season. And for good reason, I might add: he's delivered so far this season. Tuanzebe is an excellent player and we certainly can not allow him to leave permanently. I'd like to see go out on loan and get regular playing time somewhere. His time with United will come though.
@johno has more power and influence than any of you can even dream of; Yes, really! #mufc https://t.co/wyaIGxcixZ— Charlotte Duncker (@CharDuncker) March 2, 2018
United are negotiating a new contract with Smalling. www.skysports.com/football/news/11667/11560192/chris-smalling-is-in-talks-with-manchester-united-over-a-new-contract
📝DEAL DONE: Chris Smalling has signed a new contract at Manchester United until 2022. (Source: @ManUtd) pic.twitter.com/o0ycSNEOaI— Transfer News Live (@DeadlineDayLive) December 15, 2018
If we sign 2 top CBs or atleast one then he aint that bad for squad player and i really hope that is the case.. we need to ship out Jones Rojo..
His distribution (particularly with his left foot) is woeful, however he is the most consistent last 12 months or so and one of least injured of our CB's so am fine with him being a squaddie in the future if we get a CB or pref 2. Hopefully also Tuanzebe and/or TFM will fully phase him out next few years.
With our current CBs, both at the club currently and on loan, we really need just one top of the line one. Either Bailly or Lindelof have what it takes to be excellent partners, #2 types. Rounding out that trio with Smalling and Tuanzebe, would make for a very solid CB corp. By the time Timmy or maybe even Williams are potentially ready down the line, Smalling will be ready to step down. In the meantime, we could do a heck of a lot worse as a backup.
Seriously every year we come in thinking multiple players are ahead of him, and every year he ends up our most reliable CB. Obviously that says or much or more about the other players who have flopped at his position, but giving him a new deal at this point is sensible. He still has a few years left in his prime age-wise and we could always sell him down the table if we ever get the CBs well sorted. For now he’s a necessity as much as we may not love it.
Smalling on why he became vegan. https://www.skysports.com/football/...efender-chris-smalling-on-why-he-turned-vegan
Education is still the best way to fight racism - Smalling https://www.skysports.com/football/...ng-says-tackling-racism-must-begin-in-schools
Chris Smalling interview: the feelgood factor is back at United. https://www.telegraph.co.uk/footbal...view-feel-good-factor-back-manchester-united/
A timely display from Smalling yesterday. https://www.thenational.ae/sport/fo...mmanding-performance-against-chelsea-1.827578 He was excellent vs Chelsea and at the very least has passed up Jones in the pecking order. And should be considered as Lindelöf's partner for the remainder of the season if Bailly is not up to the task somehow..
If Smalling is allowed to play the read/react role with a more proactive partner, he's a very good defensive CB. We'll run into problems against a good high press, particularly with Shaw and Young at CB and Matic at 6, but thems the prices we pay for having a bunch of players not technically good enough. We should be able to carry one player with not great technique, particularly at CB but we can't.
Im sorry, I cant say Smalling was good yesterday. Chelsea were toothless. He also could have given up a PK when he carelessly rapped him arms around Rudiger on a corner. He should still be above Jones, but thats not saying much.
I am on @benni... 's wagon. Smalling is so terrible, the only thing he relies on is his speed to recover. His anticipation has gotten better but no where near good enough. His physicality is shit, he plays with his arms around players, with VAR he'll be found out soon enough. With the ball at his feet he is shit though yesterday it was better than usual because Higuain cannot press. He is a terrible header of the ball. I only pick Jones over him because he is better on the ball and I am biased towards that. Smalling is good at one on one defending, good feet (WITHOUT THE BALL) for a tall player and with speed. That's about it.