Pranav Nair
Chris Smalling sends a warning to Manchester United
Speaking to Teamtalk (h/t Manchester Evening News), former Manchester United star Chris Smalling has sounded out a warning to the Red Devils ahead of the Europa League semi-finals against AS Roma.
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s side take on the Italians in a crunch last-four tie. Both clubs have not experienced success in a while and will be keen to go all the way.
Smalling spent last season on loan at Roma before joining them permanently in the summer of 2020. The move brought to an end his decade-long association with United.
“It’s a special game. It’s a semi-final and added on top playing against United.”
Roma last won a major trophy in 2008. 13 years on, Smalling is keen to ensure they end their barren run. He believes it is a special game and believes there is no better time than now for Roma to turn on their style.
“I know the importance of bringing home a trophy because it’s been far too long.”
Having won a number of titles with United, Smalling is no stranger to success. A return to Old Trafford will be a special moment for him. It promises to be an emotional return for a player who has given much to the Red Devils’ cause.
“It’s a special game. It’s a semi-final and added on top playing against United.”
Impressed!
Smalling has also gone on to open up on his relationship with Solskjaer. He revealed that they share a good relationship and he has been impressed by the Norwegian’s work at Old Trafford.
“When he first came in I was injured, but then as soon as I got fit he played me and we had a good relationship.”
With a lot at stake for both teams, success in the Europa League is all they have left to play for. Smalling, for one, has a chance to showcase United were wrong to sell him in the summer. Whether that is the case remains to be seen.
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Signed by Sir Alex Ferguson from Fulham, Smalling made 323 appearances for United, scoring 18 goals and assisting four. (h/t Transfermarkt)
He won two Premier League titles under the legendary Scot and was a part of our Europa League winning side under Jose Mourinho in 2017.
