Manchester United defender Chris Smalling has signed a new four-year contract, the club have announced. The 25-year-old England international is now committed to the Old Trafford outfit until the summer of 2019.
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Smalling, who was signed from Fulham in a £10 million (Dh54.9m) deal five years ago, has become a key member of the United side under Louis van Gaal this season.
Manager Van Gaal 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.”
Chris Smalling puts pen to paper on his new #mufc deal. https://t.co/Fl9HkWzahV
— Manchester United (@ManUtd) April 21, 2015
Smalling’s previous deal was due to expire at the end of next season. He recently spoke of his desire to stay at the club long term and his performances in the second half of the season appear to have hastened contract talks.
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.”
Meanwhile, Liverpool have refused to comment on reports midfielder Jordan Henderson has agreed a new five-year contract at the club.
Hugely deserved new contract for Smalling. #mufc‘s best defender since Ferguson left.
— Samuel Luckhurst (@samuelluckhurst) April 21, 2015
The England international was on Monday night reported to have agreed to commit his future to the Anfield outfit in a deal worth £100,000 a week (Dh549,000).
The 24-year-old, who joined Liverpool from Sunderland in 2011, is a key member of Brendan Rodgers’ side and will take on even greater responsibility when Steven Gerrard leaves the club in the summer.
The deal would be a major boost for the Reds boss in the wake of their FA Cup semi-final exit, while they also face an uphill battle to qualify for the Champions League.
