Picture: Chris Smalling all-smiles after signing new Man United contract

Manchester United have several players out-of-contract at the current season’s end, however, Jose Mourinho has ticked one more name off that list.

First Luke Shaw, now Chris Smalling has put pen to paper. Contrary to most, I believe that the centre-back deserves his new deal, as he has been our most consistent defender over the last few years.

The Red Devils confirmed the news on social media earlier this evening, and it’s fair to say that the centre-back looked delighted at putting pen to paper on a new long-term deal.

You look at the other centre-half options around Smalling, and he is by far the best. Victor Lindelof is still adapting, Phil Jones is just a calamity, Marcos Rojo is hardly ever fit and Mourinho has seemingly fallen out with Eric Bailly for whatever reason.

Replacing all those players is too much to do in one window and that’s exactly why Smalling has seen his Old Trafford stay extended.

He’s proven that, time-and-time again, with the right player alongside him, he can play well when the lights are at their brightest. 

Congratulations, Chris!