Chris Smalling: New Contract for scoring as many goals as Welbeck

With not much left to play for this season, Manchester United have started their business early by securing the signature of Chris Smalling. He has pledged his future to the NW side until June 2019 - or increased his transfer value.

Although the defender has made just 16 starts in the league this season, he has scored 3 goals since £300K Falcao last had a shot on target. In fact, only Wayne Rooney has scored more Premier League goals for United since the start of the year than Smalling.

Louis van Gaal gives himself a little pat on the back saying: “I am delighted he has signed a new contract. Chris has improved and developed immensely during the short time that I have been at the club and has become an integral part of the first-team squad.”

Smalling: "This is a very exciting time to be at Manchester United. We are all determined to get back to where we belong and competing at the highest level.”