Manchester United fans have questioned the club's ambitions after it tied down Smalling to a long-term deal. Jose Mourinho's side announced on Saturday that the England international has extended his stay until 2022. Chris Smalling remains among a handful of other players that have endured three managerial changed following Sir Alex Ferguson's retirement.
However, the 28-year-old defender has failed to cement his position as a reliable center-back option due to inconsistencies in his performance. Despite the arrivals of Marcos Rojo, Eric Bailly and Victor Lindelof, among a host of others, the defensive frailties Manchester United following the end of the Ferdinand-Vidic partnership still remains unresolved with. Chris Smalling often forms part of the personnel who frequently receive criticisms in recent times.
Following Saturday's announcement, head coach of the Red Devils Jose Mourinho highlighted the essence of the Englishman's contract extension.
"I am very happy Chris has signed a new contract," the Portuguese manager told his club's official website.
"Chris has been with the club for a number of years and is now one of the senior players within our squad."
Chris Smalling also iterated his excitement in committing his future to the Old Trafford outfit.
"This is my ninth season with the club and I am delighted to be continuing my progression with this team.
"It is a real honor to play for Manchester United and we are all now concentrating on the busy schedule of games throughout the festive period."
"It's a great feeling to know the manager and the club back me, I'm looking forward to repaying them!"
— Manchester United (@ManUtd) December 15, 2018
Watch more of @ChrisSmalling's interview in the #MUFC Official App.
The news of Smalling's stay has, however, stirred up a revolting reaction among fans of Manchester United on social media. Some members of the fan base have questioned the club's long-term objective after the news broke.
The Red Devils currently sits sixth on the league table and their struggles have mostly been attributed to the club's inactivity in the transfer market. Below are the reactions of some fans:
So Smalling signs a new contract till 2022. Nothing against him but he just isn't good enough to play for United, especially when you think of centre backs that have played for the club & yet he has been the best centre back for United in the last 5 years! #MUFC
— Everything Man Utd (@everything_utd) December 15, 2018
In the span of 6 months Ed Woodward said Phil Jones was just as good as Toby Alderweireld, 3 months later he offers Chris Smalling a new contract. No wonder Ribalta left.
— FergieTime™️ (@SSIIIIUUUU) December 15, 2018
Woodward can veto transfer targets and tell us Alderweireld is Spurs 5th choice but isn't the one giveing Smalling a contract???? Yeh right lmao he's a clown
— FIGHT4MUFC (@mufc4thefans) December 15, 2018
Smalling getting a new contract doesn't come as a surprise at all. Jose Mourinho rewards those who repay his trust. He has his set of favorites. Players like Smalling shouldn't be at the club. We need to get in players who are leaders. Smalling doesn't make the cut.
— The United Link (@TheUnitedLink) December 15, 2018
Says everything about our club that we are actually rewarding Chris Smalling with a new contract after NINE years of mediocrity. We're in the position we are in, quite simply, because of how incapable we are of running the biggest club in the world.
— The Man Utd Way (@TheManUtdWay) December 15, 2018
Chris Smalling gets a contract extension before De Gea and Anthony Martial #mufc pic.twitter.com/cbrvVEakVx
— ManUnitedZone (@ManUnitedZone_) December 15, 2018
I like Smalling as a back up CB but announcing his new contract on a Saturday night ahead of Liverpool away is absolute banter
— Mark Goldbridge (@markgoldbridge) December 15, 2018
A crap day in work is bad enough.
— Sav (@jonmikesav8) December 15, 2018
And then you get home to find Smalling has signed a new contract. pic.twitter.com/4Pvp2snrC0
