The Man Utd fans in the Transfer Tavern aren’t sure how to feel about Chris Smalling…

The English defender has had a mixed season so far under Mourinho, but last year was somewhat of a breakout campaign under van Gaal – leaving the Man Utd fans in the Transfer Tavern undecided on whether Smalling should remain in the side.

When reports filtered into the Transfer Tavern that the Englishman could leave Old Trafford, then, there was a mix of emotions from the Man Utd faithful.

The Express are reporting that he could leave the club next summer, with sources reportedly unsure if he fits into Mourinho’s long-term plans – leaving many in the Tavern considering whether the deal is best for business.

Our landlord has been trying to decide whether the deals makes sense, and in truth – he is completely split on deciding where Chris Smalling’s future should lie.

So with that said, here are 2 pros and 2 cons to Man United selling Chris Smalling – what do you think?

CON – Quality

Whilst Chris Smalling is not having the best season, there is no doubting the quality that the defender has.

Under Louis van Gaal last season, the Englishman was arguably one of the Premier League’s best central defenders – and you don’t lose that sort of quality overnight.

Sure, he isn’t performing particularly well this season, and he has shown a tendency to not be fully fit – but that doesn’t mean he no longer has the quality.

Mourinho has always been a manager that gets the best out of his players, and if he can do that to Smalling as van Gaal did – he will have a star on his hands.

PRO – Inconsistency

He was good last year, of course, but he has been poor this year – and at a top club like Man Utd you cannot afford to be inconsistent.

Mourinho has become renowned as being a ruthless manager in that if a player isn’t good enough, he simply won’t play.

Smalling needs to be at 100% every single game, or Mourinho will drop him – and if that is the case, a sale makes sense.

CON – Experienced

Whilst many in the Transfer Tavern still define Smalling as a player for the future, the fact is that he is no longer a young player – he is essentially a veteran in the Man Utd first team.

He’s now 27-years-old, and he has a wealth of experience behind him – and experience is something that the Man Utd first team desperately lacks.

There aren’t many players that have played at Old Trafford for as long as Smalling has still in the squad – and that experience will be vital for Mourinho and the club going forward.

PRO – Replacement

This is the main reason as to why Smalling exit talk has come in – but in Victor Lindelof, Jose Mourinho could well be signing a fantastic central defender.

His proposed signing, according to the Express, could facilitate the departure of Smalling, and if the deal does go through, that could leave Smalling with no real role in the first team.

Mourinho is planning for the future, and if he deems Smalling not good enough – he has a ready-made replacement in the form of Lindelof reportedly on his way in.