Chris Smalling is on his way back to Old Trafford after seeing a successful season-long loan spell at Stadio Olimpico cut short by Manchester United after they failed to reach an agreement with AS Roma for his permanent transfer. The Englishman was “gutted” and thanked the AS Roma fans for their support throughout his short stay in Italy. 

“I’m gutted that I can’t finish what we started this season. To experience the love shown to me in such a short time was extra special and it will not be forgotten. I want to thank and wish all the players and staff the best of luck against Sevilla. DAJE ROMA!” – Smalling on his Official Twitter handle. 

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has hinted on the possibility of Chris Smalling being one of his defenders next season and praised the Englishman fine form in Italy. 

“With his season. I think Chris [Smalling] has shown over his career how valuable he is for #mufc and this season was about him being a regular, going to Roma and showing and improving on how good a centre-back he is” – Solskjaer 

Solskjaer continued : “Chris has shown how valuable he is. This season was about him being a regular. I wanted to give Harry (Maguire), Vic (Victor Lindelof), Axel (Tuanzebe) a chance. I have been speaking to Chris throughout. I have been delighted with his season.” 

AS Roma will still have the opportunity to try and sign Smalling permanently now that the summer transfer window is open, and they are also free to explore the possibility of another loan deal in 2020-21. 

Roma were knocked out of thre Europa League without Smalling available as they lost 2-0 against Sevilla who play against Wolves tomorrow in the Quarter Finals and the winner will play Manchester United should they beat Copenhagen tonight.