Smalling signs 5 year contract extension

Manchester United have handed young defender Chris Smalling a new five-year contract.

The 21-year-old arrived at the club from Fulham last summer, and put in some strong performances when called on to man the back line through the course of last season."I am delighted Chris has signed a new contract," manager Sir Alex Ferguson told the club's official website. "Chris has been outstanding since joining us from Fulham last year, he is an extremely talented young defender, he’s quick, strong and reads the game well, he is a great asset to the team." Smalling was delighted to commit his long-term future to the Premier League champions."This is a great club and, in the short time I have been here, I have already achieved more than I could have ever expected to," he told the club's official website. "I am looking forward to a long and successful career at Manchester United."Smalling made 34 appearances in all competitions last season, and could be given more chances to impress after Wes Brown and John O'Shea left to join Sunderland.