Chris Smalling will be joining Roma on loan

Shocking move – Manchester United defender Chris Smalling has agreed a deal to join Roma on a season-long loan deal.

The centre-back is yet to feature for United this season and is way down the pecking order following the arrival of Harry Maguire and the return of Axel Tuanzebe.

Smalling was a regular following Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s interim appointment last December but he does not fit the Norwegian’s long-term vision at Old Trafford.

With game time looking increasingly scarce, Smalling has opted to leave the club and will join Roma for a year.

The 31-cap international will now join Alexis Sanchez and Romelu Lukaku in leaving for Serie A this summer.