England international Chris Smalling has agreed on a new contract with Manchester United keeping him at Old Trafford till 2022 with an option to extend a year further. The 29-year-old centre-back has made over 300 appearances for the Red Devils since joining from Fulham back 2010. Although he penned the deal earlier the Liverpool clash, the match did not end as he expected it was Liverpool all the way claiming three points and deservedly so.
However Smalling was delighted with his contract extension, as he said in the club’s official website: “It’s a great feeling to know the manager and the club back me, I’m looking forward to repaying them!”
“This is my ninth season with the club and I am delighted to be continuing my progression with this team.”
“It is a real honour to play for Manchester United and we are all now concentrating on the busy schedule of games throughout the festive period,” added Smalling, who had been a regular member in former boss Jose’s starting lineup.
Despite signing a new contract with the Red Devils the 29-year old defender had to be withdrawn from the first team against Liverpool due to a warm-up injury. They lost the match eventually and Smalling experience in the middle could have come handy as he has played a lot in crunch fixtures like these.
The England international now joins the injury list which already consists of players like Marcos Rojo, Luke Shaw and Alexis Sanchez. With the likes of Diogo Dalot, Anthony Martial Lindelof and Matteo Darmian are just coming off from injury recently made the match-day squad on the night.
Manchester United are not in a good position in the league as the Red Devils are placed 6th in the league table and have conceded the highest number of goals (29) in seventeen league fixture amongst the top ten teams. However most of the blame should be taken by their back-line as the likes of Phil Jones, Chris Smalling and Lindelof often come up with shambolic defensive performances which result in a goals galore for any opponent in the league.
It is an area where the Red Devils are lacking and someone, as experienced as Chris Smalling, should step up when required. Over the years Smalling has been a dependable player, nothing exceptional though but he has always been a player who fights for the tea, and suddenly that hunger and that passion is not evident in his latest performances and especially when the team is in dire straits.
The Red Devils now have a lot of pressure on them to get back to winning ways, as the former manager Jose Mourinho is still hopeful that this side can make it to the top four at the end of the league campaign. Adding to that pressure the Portuguese tactician will have his task cut out as United have drawn French giants Paris Saint Germain in the round of 16 tie in UEFA Champions League. PSG are one of the favourites to lift the cup this year and it is certain that Manchester United will need a miraculous night to come out on top against Neymar and company.
The only confidence booster the Portuguese will get was his side’s win over Juventus in Turin. The Old Lady are also top favourites to lift the title and if his team can get the better of them there is a possibility they can put up a fight against the French Champions.
