As reported by Lancashire Live, Chris Smalling has dropped a subtle hint that he could continue his career in Italy. The Manchester United defender moved to AS Roma in a shock season-long loan deal earlier this summer. “To be able to have the chance at a big club, and then if it prolongs and the club is happy, then I can definitely see a longer-term future in Italy,” Smalling explained, as quoted by the Mirror.
Smalling’s lack of fitness and gametime
Smalling initially joined Manchester United in 2010, in an €8 million move from Fulham. He was a bit-part player at the club for five seasons before he became a first-team regular under Louis Van Gaal during the 2015/16 campaign. However, the 29-year-old once again became an irregular figure in the first-team following the appointment of Jose Mourinho.
One of the main reasons behind Smalling’s struggles at United is his injury-prone nature. The England international has suffered nine different spells on the sidelines following his move from Fulham in 2010. Last season, he was out with a foot injury that kept him out for a month.
The emergence of Victor Lindelof
Smalling was a vital component of the Manchester United backline until the rise of Victor Lindelof last season. The Swedish international arrived from Benfica in 2017. And following a disappointing debut campaign in the Premier League, he rose into prominence, becoming an ever-present figure in the United defence.
Lindelof was involved in 30 Premier League matches last season, putting in a series of consistent performances despite lacking a reliable partner. The 25-year-old has had a difficult start to this new campaign. But, he is expected to remain a vital figure of the United backline in the coming years, thus reducing Smalling’s chances of reviving his status at Old Trafford.
Not a future prospect
Under Ole-Gunnar Solskjaer, Manchester United are looking ahead, to the future. Their transfer market activity this summer suggested the fact that the Red Devils are keen to undergo a transitional phase, having signed the likes of Daniel James and Aaron Wan-Bissaka.
But most importantly, they signed Harry Maguire. The former Leicester City star is expected to provide much more solidity in the United backline. And at the age of 26, he can provide at least four-five years of services at the highest level of football.
Smalling, in contrast, is already 29 and clearly doesn’t have any room for improvement. Therefore, it would perhaps be wiser for the Premier League giants to get rid of the defender on a permanent basis.
