Chris Smalling signs Manchester United contract to keep him at Old Trafford until June 2022

Chris Smalling has signed a new contract at Manchester United to keep him at the club until June 2022, with the option to extend that by one year.

Sir Alex Ferguson brought Smalling to United from Fulham in 2010 and the former Maidstone United defender has made almost 200 appearances during his time at Old Trafford.

The English defender has won two Premier League titles, one FA Cup, and the Europa League, amongst others, during his spell in Manchester and remains a first-team player under Jose Mourinho’s management.

Smalling has been out of favour in the England team since his 31st and most recent cap in 2017, but the defender is pleased with his development at his club.

“This is my ninth season with the club and I am delighted to be continuing my progression with this team,” said Smalling.

“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.”

In a tweet, Smalling it's ‘an honour’ to continue to play for United and thanks the staff that have helped him develop during his spell at the club.

"I am delighted to continue my journey with United. It's an honour to play for this club & I wanted to take the opp to thank all staff associated with it over the last 9 seasons, my team mates past & present, & the fans who continue to show support for the squad game in game out," he said on social media.

Mourinho expressed his delight at the news and said Smalling’s leadership qualities are important to the side.

“I am very happy Chris has signed a new contract,” he said. “Chris has been with the club for a number of years and is now one of the senior players within our squad.”

United are preparing to play Liverpool at Anfield on Sunday looking to claw back the eight-point gap between them and fourth place.