Eighteen months ago, Chris Smalling was earning £5 an hour as a waiter while studying for his A-Levels. Now he plays for Fulham and has agreed a deal with Manchester United for next season.
The talented defender admits that he will be star-struck when he first joins the club but doesn’t feel nervous about playing for United.
“It has been a whirlwind and things are happening very quickly,” said Smalling. “It is very exciting. My move to United came out of the blue. I was just concentrating on doing well for Fulham and linking up with the Under 21s, then suddenly it came up and it is a fantastic opportunity for me. When you have one of the biggest clubs in the world even considering you will be good enough for them, it is a massive compliment. I think at times I’ll be star-struck, but I’m not nervous. When I started to play for Fulham I got a few nerves, but I’ve played now and have started to get used to it.”
Man Utd News 24/7
Very much in the mold of rio, i hope saf can work his magic again.
Very promising, starting for under 21′s tonight guys……
Remove the “one of” and an “s” from the 4th line and we’re there.
I’ve seen him play once – against the RentBoyz. He did very well but was desperately unlucky to be charged with an own-goal when the ball hit him on the blind-side and careened into the net. Up to that point he had done a fine job of dealing with Drogba/Anelka, which is a real job-of-work for any defender.
So, I’m cautiously optimistic about his chances of success – obviously, the UTD scouts were watching him in EPL matches and also in reserves’ matches so they were also likely to have been impressed with his ability and demeanour on the pitch. A rough diamond ? Certainly, in need of polishing and Roy Hodgson isn’t the least expert-diamond polisher so it was a good move to let him stay at Fulham until the end of the season. If Rio and Vidic and Wesley Brown and John O’Shea and Jonny Evans are all fit then young Smalling will be given plenty of time to watch – and learn.
even tho everyone will be crying out for fergie to spend big this summer, i still dont think we need to spend too much. rodwell would be a fantastic buy for the future even though he would probably cost around 25 million, but we have 3 world class strikers already (not forgetting promising talents diouf, macheda and welbeck), plenty of good wingers, too many central midfielders (when injury free) and vidic ferdinand brown evans and now smalling, maybe one more young center back and perhaps a world class right back to replace gary neville and allow rafael time to develop, but we really not lacking in many departments when you look at the big picture.
LUHG
He will be tested today against Greece U-21.
“rodwell would be a fantastic buy for the future even though he would probably cost around 25 million”
That rules him out then. We’ll be in for David Weir, YHIHF remember.
the future looks bright with us buying a lot of younsters.and some of them look they will suerly play for united.pogba,petrucci are two players who i think can be world class.magnus eikrem and joshua king look like they’re fast improving…
No – way Fred id go for nervous bramble.
He costs more than Varmalen
Why do we always get ripped off in the transfer market, whilst Arsenal always get bargains
Arshavin for £12m!
@Fred
We could ask David May to come out of retirement.
oni impression of him was è own goal vs. é rentboys. so when news came up we were closing on a deal, was kinda scratching my head haha.
anyway, once é jersey is on, he’s my devil.
Looking forward to seeing him in action for us.
How tall is he ? Looks like a big lad.
Does anybody actually know the actual price we bought him for? I mean our transfers over the last 3 years all have different values.
i.e Anderson was £12 million according to some sources and other £17 million or £19 million. Similar with Nani.
I find it hard to pass judgment on a player who hasn’t kicked a ball for us. I’ve been proven wrong before with Carrick and Evra. This time next year we’ll see how he does but based on his Fulham performances I think our central defence is sorted for the next 10-12 years at least. As long as we can keep them fit though!
6’4”
Sayyyid
you’ll always pay over the odds for an English youth with just cause
Ronaldo was/is worth 80 million and was sold to his dream team
Rooney is worth 80 million but it’s like 80/20 if he’d leave because if hecan play at thehighest level winning trophys and been seen as one of the greatest players in the world all a car ride from his parents house what would you do
That’s his height, not his transfer fee btw.
6` 4“ is just what you need defending in the air.
….. and then legging it up the pitch and heading in the last minute winner !
obviously even if rodwell was 35 mill we could still afford him and i’d say should still get him, but you know how sensitive fergie is about getting ripped off in the transfer market, which as sayyyid pointed out always happens. david moyes said before that they are in a much better position now than when they sold rooney, so they will hold out for even more money.
haha Fred
The funny thing is that Gill said today that Fergie was value for money, yet we spend 10-14 million on this kid. I realize that he has potential, but we gave up to blackmail. Again.
*wants value for money*
Yeah Fred I realised his transfer fee was not 6 foot 4 inches lol. I haven’t seen much of him to be honest, wasn’t his transfer fee supposed to be around £10 million? Seems an awful lot for someone relatively unproven! And this after we pulled out of the Ljajic deal worth the same. Still, there must be something to the lad as Fergie is obviously no mug! I look forward to seeing more of him play.
@DEVILisRED – I have to ask… why do you always use the letter ‘e’ as a replacement for the word ‘the’, when I can see you manage to type the letters ‘t’ and ‘h’ perfectly well in other words?
Has been dropped from the Fulham team possibly due to poor performances. Personally feel there were better options available for that sort of money however with the rule of having a minimum number of english players coming into fore in the near future it is a good move.
AIG… He wasn’t a regular in the league before the move.. As you can see here he is desperate to her to united. Hodgson wants focused players and its unfair to ask this of him. Look at Ronnie last year. Also… Brede H and Hughes have been fantastic for them. Its not due to poor form mate, trust me.
@stretfordender
Could be mate. I saw he got a few starts against Spurs and Villa after he signed for United and made 2 mistakes in those games that saw Agbonlahor and Crouch score. Course he will need regular games to make an impression and playing alongside the like of Rio, Vidic will only help him. Even if he develops well in 2-3 years and becomes a regular by then i will be happy, till then Vidic and Evans can co the job
Have to agree Hangeland and Hughes have been real rocks for Fulhm which hasnt helped Smalling.
I would bet that like a lot of unproven talent deals this one will be graded on appearances, trophies etc – some up front, some as and when and if.
McQueen – I thought exactly the same mate about the “e” for the.
aig – He was filling in for Hangeland at one point and was never a starter. Fergie knows what he is doing so I am surprised that people think he may be a mistake. Will be a great player given time at United.
Hello by the way.
As for
…..As for Rodwell I would be disgusted if he was valued at thirty five million. That is a ludicrous privce for an unproven teenager. I do like the look of the kid though.
You cannot judge Smalling because of 2 mistakes he made against Villa.
@King Eric
hello mate.
Not judging him yet but think there are a few weaknesses in his game which have to be ironed out. Will improve with time. What i am trying to say is he wont making the starting line up immediately, may take 2-3 years but will eventually make it.If Vidic leaves in the summer(Dont think he will but you never know) we may have to buy someone and cant immediately put the pressure on Smalling. It may also be an indication that Vidic may stay for another 2-3 years which i hope is the case.
Agree on Rodwell. 15 million pounds is the maximum i would give for him. Anyways i dont think we need him.
Am having problems posting here… just thought I’d raise it.
Just an observation, not a damning report on him, but he made another pretty bad mistake today against Greece for their second goal….
@Rob Marrs
I tried posting earlier, also did not show up.
Smalling needs to learn a few things and that should be expected. Who better to learn from than Rio, Vida, Wes, and Jonny? I’d imagine Jonny understands quite well what Smalling is feeling right now.
But I enjoy watching Cleverly play. The lad is class and I really hope he makes it here in our first team. Just from the few times I have watched him, I dont think he is necessarily a left winger, but he still does well when out there. I just see him as more a creative attacking CM.
Oh, and I think Rodwell is sooooooooooooooo overrated. 35 mil?!?!?! You’re havin a laugh (as you brits would say)
@Drew Vader
Agree with the ridiculous 35 million fee for Rodwell. No, thank you. I can already see it, we say we’ll pay 15 million, Citeh ends up paying 30 million and he rots amongst the twenty other defensive midfielders on their payroll.
You’re not from England? Where you from?
Tosic has scored or Serbia against Algeria
Costas – isnt that a typical thing the glazers would say. I am not a great fan of rodwell very overated and is worth about 8 or 9 million at best, and still if united payed 8 or 9 million for rodwell thats still over paying when he is worth about 6 million.
Lets worry about smalling when arrives at the club. On rodwell, saf likes to mould young players, so i think there could be something in that story, though not at 35 million.
Sanj — I’m from the great city of Garland, Texas. Its right outside of Dallas, but I live in Houston at the moment for school. But I must admit that I like some brit phrases and words, so I mix them in to my everyday vocabulary. And trust me, I get loads of shit from my friends when I say “cheers” or the like.
Drew Vader- I’m from New York, nice to see another “Yank” on RoM! I must admit since I’ve started regularly posting on here I’ve incorporated tons of words into my vocabulary that I never use except when discussing footy- “mate”, “cheers”, etc.
Come on guys £35 million is a steal for Rodwell when you take into account the English Tax and Manchester United tax is £22million of the fee.
So how was Smalling today? No Greek channel cared to show it.
Keep in mind, we have a good team in our U21s.
Costas, Drew Vader said that Smalling made a mistake that led to a goal. Haven’t seen it myself, though.
@Sanj
Oh, thanks. And sorry Drew Vader for not noticing your post. Either way, I think it will help him to get a few experiences outside the Pr.League.
Useless fact: The scorer of Greece’s 1st goal was rumored to be in United’s sights about a year ago.
Zidan looks very good for egypt.
no offence but why is this game even played
I will put a £5.00 bet on he aint earning £5.00 an hour now. Lucky lad Chris, you just newly found a move to the best club in the World. Maybe speaking of Star struck could you have a word with your Bulgarian team mate when you arrive, lol.Seriously though I think I am seeing signs Dimitar is growing into the task and not flinging his arm’s in the Air when someone does not hit him with the correct pass, and begining to put a decent shift in.
On a positive note Scotland drawing with Checkslovakia, and England getting beaten by Egypt(Joking)
@willierednut
I think Zidan was linked with us recently… then again, who isn’t?
Just of europe sanj lol.
Half of europe that should be.
Ok, first half is over. Time for Brown and Rooney to get substituted!
Guys Egypt looking rly good… Zidan has got what it takes to play in the premier league… Egypt has talent… Rooney is the most determined player in the world… He doesnt give a fuck if its ‘just’ a friendly match.. He gives his heart out… Ill be honest I support England bcz of Wayne!
Here here Costas, am wotching it on the telly and listening on the Net to Scotland game, I want Darren of as well at Hampden, lol
8/1 egypt looks great value no mugs, com’on egypt
@redscot
Of course! Same goes for Pat Evra who’s currently playing against Spain.
Argh, he only took off Lampard for Carrick!
Crouchy scored a cracker, wonders will never cease.
not no more
GOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOAAAAAAAAAAAAAALLLLL @ Hampden, fucking majik. Scot Brown of the tattie muncher’s
How’s fletch playing redscot?
@ Willie. Yes great mate, Just does not have the same class player’s around him sadly.Although in fairness I am listening to Scottish commentators so there is a slight bias. lol of course.
I think I have commented here before that James Milner is pure class, that was a rocket there for the goalie to parry back to SWP. good goal though.
@ willie, wonders do cease Eh, lmao
FFF take Rooney off!
The robots on fire lol.
Rooney’s coming of, calm down costas.
*FFS* I meant. I also like Milner by the way…
@willierednut
Lol sorry. Who knew that he would feature more in a useless England friendly than in the Carling Cup final.
@ 22.44 pmsl we dont need to see that fucking stupid dance, he looks like thon cunt outta Thunderbird’s Advert erm for Drench water, Brains
its about damn time rooney was taken off, and why in the hell is that game even played. The FA are that desperate to pay off wembley they have some meaningless friendly
we are off and running in our new era. Scotland win. Chuffed as fuck a positive start. But only a friendly but it’s our first win in 14 years in a friendly. Kilts up. lmao
Good result for England also to move forward with and put all the Shit that has smothered the England camp recently, genuinely here wish England all the best in SA. Who else are we meant to support, France Germany or Spain or beggars belief Usa.
At least you’s win redscot, we lost to albania.
Hey, we lost to Senegal. Ranked 10th in the world, my ass…
@redscot
First win in a friendly in 14 years? Really? That can’t be right?
Just remembered if we win on saturday, we go top as the rentboys are playing in the cup.
willierednut – my eye is on arsenal because now they really are going to be a pain
The gooners are in the mix but i think there lack of experience may cost them.
@ Willie, oops who were u playing, my ignorance start’s to show, although if i searched the Net i could find out. lol
No seriously Costa, it’s true m8. My Scottish club is Dundee United a old adversary of Saf in the 80s , my Dad tell’s me.
@ wille on post 23.12 come on m8 It’s Wolves.If we cant Baterrrrrrr them i seriously will be calling the Samaratains.
Albania beat my country norn iron 1 zip.
willierednut – this mayne aragont but I will really be pissed off if not only united fail to win the league but the other 2 clubs win it when they are so poor.
@redscot
Oh I see. Anyway, I think we shouldn’t have a problem with Wolves. If we take them seriously. I hope none of our international players will be feeling the effects of today. And hopefully Evans will be fit.
agreed anybody who does not think LeArse are not ” In the Mix “are mad. It is clearly a 3 Horse race everybody acknowledges this, the review of fixtures to be completed suggest they have the easier run in.I think we have run the course before and have the Ball’s to complete the task.
That’s me for tonight, I just got a call from the Boozer” where the fuck are you, you Red cunt” charming as ever and that’s the Barmaid.
A historic 4 in row Believe On On On
Well im happy evans didn’t play tonight costas, the pitch was poor, it was that bad it made wembley look good, good night lads.
redscot – uniteds remaining fixtures apart from 3 are not that tough. If united really put on the gas peddle then our remaining fixtures should not be that tough and we should win 8 to 9 of or remaining fixtures if we are on our game.
@willierednut
Was it now? Then that’s good. Goodnight.
No coincidence that when Carrick game on Ingerlund got a grip of the midfield and started dictating the tempo. Fat Frank is fucking finished, never seen him have a decent game. Or Gerrard for that matter.
When I first heard about the Smalling transfer the fee they mentioned was £7m. But the price always goes up if Man Utd are interested, especially if the player is English even though we can’t really afford to pay over the odds anymore (thanks to Glazer).
As for Rodwell, I wouldn’t mind seeing him join us in the near future. But I think he’ll cost us around £25-30m at least. I know it’s ridiculous but that’s just the way it is, Moyes won’t let go of him that easily. We could do with another midfielder since Scholes is retiring soon and Hargeaves is still a question mark. But Rodwell sees himself as a central defender so I’m not that sure if we really need him if he’s going to be playing in that position.,
I do think we could do with another proven winger that is capable of playing in the left position. Giggs is retiring soon, Obertan hasn’t particularly impressed yet and Nani always plays much better on the right.
Has Joe Cole still not signed a new contract with Chelsea? Can’t imagine him leaving them though…but you never know in football.
King Eric
Every Ingurland manager that’s been in charge since Carrick became a regular in West Ham’s team has constantly overlooked him in favour of others. Gareth Barry is the latest in a long line of players who are preffered to him.
I am not saying that Carrick is the diamond in the United midfield but if you look at the trophies United have won with him in our midfield it’s surely no coincidence!
United>England
@ Rooney U have saved us thus far m8 lol apart on mere detail our defence as been fucked for most of the Season. On to your point…. If we loose at the Molineux, am diving for the pure Scots Whisky Bells straight no Ice.
Fulham is more tricky than you can imagine Roy has got them playing tight and more they gave us a Tonking recall with our Carrick Fletcher defence. But i still excpect a narrow win.
On to the Puddle if you do not think they plan to derail our 19 League titles???. I have Pool mates, this Season it’s there cup final, because they aint winning nuffing else Right.
They will kick us off the fucking park and attempt to destroy our ambitions.I predict a loss( sadly)*
Away to The Trotters, its a Shite pitch, we are way too Class for that And I admired Coyle at Burnley and his reject of Celtic approaches. They will loose on the 27 Th.
3 rd of April is a tricky one, just not sure with all the shite on going at the Chelscum, it’s easy to sit on the fence like some rentboy, lmao. This will be the key game, loose this we are goosed, draw is OK.
Then on to whom ….. a Win Win nothing else, it’s shitty after all. ON ON ON.
I truely do like the Spuds on the 24Th April they will lay down for us, and take a real humpin.
Now can you see what my point is? Tis Ist May Black cat’s close to nothing Ex in Charge, danger danger.I wont use my crystal ball’s.
Final game of season done deal Stoke are on Holiday saved and building
Disappointed about Michael Owen, he was always going to be a risk though. bchilds – Agree. I’m a big Michael Carrick fan, I don’t understand the stick, even some Utd fans give. You only have to look at what he’s won. He’s playing against top class opposition, season after season in the CL. What real top class experience has Barry got? (aside from the premier league!). Lampard’s not having his best season.
evans, smalling, rafael, fabio future defence