It seems as though the improvement in form and playing opportunities enjoyed by the Arsenal and England international striker Danny Welbeck since he decided to leave his former club Manchester United have not been noticed or not registered much on his former club and current international team mate Chris Smalling.
Because although there have been a growing number of Arsenal transfer rumours linking Arsene Wenger with a possible £12 million summer transfer swoop for him, Smalling has spoken out to declare his happiness at Old Trafford and his desire to sign a new contract extension and stay at the club he joined from Fulham back in 2010.
As a Sky Sports report explains, Smalling only has a year left on his current deal and had been heavily rumoured for a summer exit, with United ready to spend big money again in the transfer market. But he and fellow England international Jones have played in the last few games where United have been better and he seems to feel that his manager has now appreciated his talents.
The 25/year old said, “The manager is showing his faith in me and, if I am playing, I’m happy.
“We have got another eight games, so we will look to finish as strong as we can.
“I am enjoying it, I have always enjoyed playing for United, especially at the minute.
“If I can contribute, as now, then I am happy to stay as long as they want me.
“The manager has shown a lot of faith in me. Especially over the last couple of months, I have stayed fit, the manager has chosen me, and I am enjoying my football.
“I think he is very honest. He says what you are doing very well and what you can improve. He has real belief in you.”
Smalling did admit that there were no contract talks ongoing at the minute though, and if van Gaal does sign another defender he might find himself feeling differently. But should Arsenal give up on him and look elsewhere?