Chris Smalling has signed a contract extension which will keep him at the club until 2019, and has expressed his delight at lengthening his stay.

I’m delighted to sign my new contract. I am so proud to play for such a great club. We have developed as a team over the course of the season under Louis van Gaal and we are now playing as a complete unit. 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.

After a poor start to the season, Smalling has improved, leading Louis van Gaal to sing his praises.

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. He always conducts himself in a very professional manner and it is also pleasing that he has scored some important goals this season too. I am delighted he has signed a new contract.