London: England centre-back Chris Smalling has extended his contract with Manchester United until 2019, the Premier League giants announced on Tuesday. Smalling, 25, joined United from Fulham in a £10 million ($14.9 million, 13.9 million euros) deal five years ago and is enjoying his best season to date at Old Trafford, having made 23 appearances and scoring four goals.


Manchester United defender Chris Smalling 

"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," United manager Louis van Gaal told the club's website. "He always conducts himself in a very professional manner and it is also pleasing that he has scored some important goals this season, too.