Manchester United willing to let defender Chris Smalling leave this summer

Manchester United are preparing to sell centre-back Chris Smalling this summer as manager Jose Mourinho looks to revamp his squad, according to ESPN.

The 27-year-old moved to Old Trafford back in 2010 after impressing at London side Fulham, but this season has struggled for regular gametime under the former Real Madrid and Chelsea boss, starting just 13 of their 38 Premier League games.

And with the likes of Phil Jones, Eric Bailly, Marcos Rojo, and Daley Blind all performing well when called upon this term, it’s increasingly difficult to see Smalling nail down a regular place in Mourinho’s side.

And that is why the United boss is reportedly willing to offload the England international this summer as he looks to improve his squad ahead of a Premier League title challenge next season.

Mourinho has occasionally criticised the centre-back this term, most notably back in November following their clash with Swansea in which Smalling made himself unavailable on the morning of the game, to perhaps suggest that the Portuguese isn’t the defender’s biggest fan – thus it could lead to Smalling’s exit this summer.

And, as a result, the 27-year-old could partake in his final United game on Wednesday night when Mourinho’s men face Ajax in the Europa League final in Stockholm, with both sides hoping to finish the season on a high, and indeed qualify for next term’s Champions League.