Smalling to make big move

Chris Smalling

Date of birth: 22/11/ 1989

Birthplace: Greenwich, London

Height: 192cm 
Weight: 81kg

Position: Defender

Current club: Fulham

Previous clubs: Maidstone United

International: England U21

Manchester United is delighted to announce that Fulham defender Chris Smalling has agreed terms and passed a medical examination. He will join the club in July 2010 on a four-year contract for an undisclosed fee.

An England Under-21 international, Smalling has made 10 first-team appearances for Fulham, who signed him from non-league Maidstone 18 months ago.

Reds boss Sir Alex Ferguson said: "Chris is an extremely talented young defender, who we have been monitoring for some months. He’s very quick and reads the game well. He will be a great asset to the club, playing alongside some of the best defenders around and we’re delighted to have secured his signature."

Smalling, 20, described the move as an "unbelievable opportunity".

"My time at Fulham has been great and I have learned a lot about the game from Roy Hodgson and the coaching staff," he said. “But the chance of coming to the biggest club in the world is something I just couldn’t turn down. I’m excited about working with Sir Alex and the fantastic players in the squad.

"I’ve played a few times in the Europa League this year, but the thought of making the step up to the Champions League next year is great. I can’t wait.”

Reds agree Hernandez deal

Javier Hernandez

Date of birth: 1 June 1988

Club: Chivas de Guadalajara

Debut: v Necaxas, 9/9/2006

2009/10 appearances: 28

2009/10 goals: 21

Manchester United is pleased to announce it has reached agreement with Mexican club, Chivas de Guadalajara for the purchase of 21 year-old Mexican striker Javier Hernandez, better known as “Chicharito,” for an undisclosed fee, subject to a successful application for a UK work permit.

Personal terms have been agreed and Javier passed a medical in Manchester this week.

The application for the work permit will be submitted shortly. If a permit is granted, Javier will become a Manchester United player on 1 July 2010. As part of the deal, the Club will play a match to open the new 45,000 capacity Chivas Stadium in Guadalajara as part of its 2010/11 season preparations.

Sir Alex Ferguson said: "I am delighted to reach agreement with Chivas to bring such an exciting young striker, who has been in such prolific form for both his club and his country. He will be a great addition to our squad and we look forward to welcoming our first Mexican player in the summer.

“We are equally excited to play our first game in Mexico, opening the magnificent new Chivas Stadium in July."

Chicharito hails 'dream' move

In an exclusive interview with MUTV, new signing Javier Hernández, better known as 'Chicharito', labelled his move to Old Trafford "a dream come true"…

Firstly, Javier, how does it feel to have signed for United?
It’s a dream and I feel so happy. I’ve really enjoyed my week in Manchester – the stadium, the atmosphere at the club and the history are incredible and I want to do great things here.

You were at the Bayern game – what did you make of the experience?
I felt a lot of things and, as I said, I’m living a dream. The atmosphere was incredible with all the fans singing. It was fantastic to see.

What sort of player are you?
I just like to enjoy myself. I want to win every day and I hope I can do great things.

You’ve met Sir Alex – what were your impressions of the manager?
He is a great person and probably the best coach of all time. All my impressions of the team, the club and the city are incredible.

Your family must be very excited at the prospect of you playing for the Reds…
Yes, they are. My family are my biggest supporters and have been there with me through the good and the bad times and they have supported me a lot, so they’re very pleased.

United will play in Mexico this summer – what reception can the team expect?
The best. In our country Manchester United are the top team and the reception they will get will be fabulous.



08/09/10 - ManUtd.Com