Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has confirmed Chris Smalling will return to Manchester United at the end of the season as he continues to impress for Roma.
Smalling joined Roma on loan at the end of the summer transfer window, and the Giallorossi have made it clear that they would like to make the move permanent as soon as possible.
However, Solskjaer was adamant the 30-year-old would be back at United once his campaign-long arrangement had expired.
“Yeah [he will return],” he replied to a question about the Englishman a press conference.
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has confirmed Chris Smalling will return to Manchester United at the end of the season as he continues to impress for Roma.
Smalling joined Roma on loan at the end of the summer transfer window, and the Giallorossi have made it clear that they would like to make the move permanent as soon as possible.
However, Solskjaer was adamant the 30-year-old would be back at United once his campaign-long arrangement had expired.
“Yeah [he will return],” he replied to a question about the Englishman a press conference.
“Chris has been fantastic, but we know sometimes if you change the environment it can go both ways. But Chris is the type to relish these challenges.
“He’s cultured, enjoys life down there. It’s a new experience for him, and he is a boy who couldn’t be here without being a regular and I’m so happy for him. We can see the top player he is.”
The Norwegian also confirmed he had been in touch with the centre-back after the Corriere dello Sport’s controversial ‘Black Friday’ headline yesterday.
“First of all, when you see that paper, you say; ‘wow, is that really possible?’ It’s the worst front page I’ve ever seen, and we’ve been in touch with Chris.
“Just so he knows we’ll back him, and Romelu [Lukaku] as well. I don’t work in your line of business, but wow. It’s incredible and at least we don’t see that here, that has to be stamped out.”