The future of Chris Smalling at Manchester United has always been a case of doubt.
Smalling joined Manchester United as a youngster under Sir Alex Ferguson when he came through the youth ranks for the Red Devils.
After initial success under Fergie, Smalling had a torrid time under successive managers of David Moyes, Louis Van Gaal and Jose Mourinho.
He was then left out of the team and never had a good development. When Ole Gunnar Solskjaer came in he wanted to take the players from the Fergie era who knew the United way and use them properly.
Many stars got a new leash like Ashley Young, Victor Lindelof, Phil Jones and others. However, one person who was unlucky was Chris Smalling. He was loanad out to AS Roma. However, Ole did establish hopes of watching him come back as recently as last month.
‘Chris has been fantastic,’ he said. ‘We know sometimes if you change the environment it can go both ways.
‘But Chris is the type to relish these challenges he’s cultured, enjoys life down there, it’s a new experience for him.
‘He’s a boy who couldn’t be here without being a regular and we’re so happy for him because we can see the top player he is.’
In contrast to these hopes, it is now being reported that Smalling has requested United and Roma to make his loan move permanent. The defender has adjusted to life in Serie A and is under less scrutiny over there as opposed to playing for United.
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