---
title: "Manchester United: Fans react as Chris Smalling looks set to leave"
canonical: "https://www.footballtransfertavern.com/man-united-fans-react-smalling-exit-rumours/"
type: "post"
language: "en-GB"
author: "Luke Seychell"
section: "Manchester United Football Club"
published: "2020-09-01T17:10:10Z"
modified: "2020-09-01T17:10:10Z"
---

# Manchester United: Fans react as Chris Smalling looks set to leave

**Many Manchester United fans are reacting to the latest news surrounding the club as reliable journalist Fabrizio Romano believes [Chris Smalling](https://twitter.com/FabrizioRomano/status/1300584678769000449) could be on his way back to AS Roma.**

This looks to start a transfer merry-go-round as United will then [look](https://twitter.com/FabrizioRomano/status/1300584678769000449?s=20) for a new centre-back, and this could be the [highly-rated Dayot Upamecano](https://www.telegraph.co.uk/football/2020/08/31/manchester-united-consider-move-rb-leipzig-defender-dayot-upamecano/) of RB Leipzig.

Despite him struggling to erform [consistently](https://www.goal.com/en-ke/news/vidic-reveals-reason-behind-smalling-jones-struggles-at/1h48yg1sh8hsu10sop56vli817) to the level required of a Manchester United player, Smalling flourished last season in Serie A as the [30 year-old](https://www.transfermarkt.co.uk/chris-smalling/profil/spieler/103427) managed four clearances and 1.9 interceptions a game, per [WhoScored](https://www.whoscored.com/Players/71345/Show/Chris-Smalling), whilst also scoring three goals and supplying two assists as well as helping his team to keep [six](https://www.transfermarkt.co.uk/chris-smalling/leistungsdatendetails/spieler/103427/wettbewerb/IT1/saison/2019) clean sheets.

This news, tweeted out by [@utdreport](https://twitter.com/utdreport/status/1300732127101804544?s=20), has had some fans excited because they would be pleased to see a defender leave in order for them to have a chance to sign Upamecano.

Compared to Smalling, Upamecano has averaged more tackles per game (1.9 to 0.8, via [WhoScored](https://www.whoscored.com/PlayerComparison)), so he certainly has an aptitude for breaking up opposition attacks. He is also only 21 and this could be why many are so excited as he has the potential to be a top-class defender and already has [experience](https://www.transfermarkt.co.uk/dayot-upamecano/profil/spieler/344695) in the Bundesliga and the Champions League.

Here is what these United fans said following the news:

> Chris Smalling set to leave Manchester United, with the club searching for a new defender
>
> — utdreport (@utdreport) [September 1, 2020](https://twitter.com/utdreport/status/1300732127101804544?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw)

> Imagine going from Smalling to Upamecano. What an upgrade if it happens.
>
> — SEUN (@Dan\_Onas) [September 1, 2020](https://twitter.com/Dan_Onas/status/1300734107656355840?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw)

> Clearing the deadwood like [pic.twitter.com/vydA0V8Ysh](https://t.co/vydA0V8Ysh)
>
> — DevilsUnited (@united\_mantd) [September 1, 2020](https://twitter.com/united_mantd/status/1300733249812140034?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw)

> Finally some good news
>
> — Akosua Korkor (@KwameTamakloe\_1) [September 1, 2020](https://twitter.com/KwameTamakloe_1/status/1300734049204555776?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw)

> Thank god
>
> — Kesham\_10™ (@Sharmasewoosun1) [September 1, 2020](https://twitter.com/Sharmasewoosun1/status/1300732414226964481?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw)

> YESSSSS [pic.twitter.com/fKPOfSkpq5](https://t.co/fKPOfSkpq5)
>
> — ᴠɪᴀɴ 🔰 (@mufcvian) [September 1, 2020](https://twitter.com/mufcvian/status/1300732718808932353?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw)

> LETS GOOO
>
> — \~ (@PP6AM9) [September 1, 2020](https://twitter.com/PP6AM9/status/1300732302507618304?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw)

***United fans, what are your thoughts on Smalling’s potential permanent departure? Comment below with your views!***