Manchester United centre-back Chris Smalling signs deal to stay at Old Trafford until 2019

Manchester United centre-back Chris Smalling has signed a new contract that will keep him at Old Trafford until the summer of 2019, the club have confirmed.

The 25-year-old England international joined the Premier League giants from Fulham in January 2010 as a promising prospect for the future.

However, Smalling struggled to make the impact expected during his first years at the club both under Sir Alex Ferguson and David Moyes, and some reports in the summer of 2014 claimed manager Louis van Gaal considered parting ways with him amid interest from Arsenal.

But Smalling stayed at Old Trafford and has become a crucial member of Van Gaal's starting line-up, filling the void left by the departures of Rio Ferdinand and Nemanja Vidic in the heart of the defence.

The former Fulham defender has started 16 Premier League this campaign and enjoyed United's recent good run, playing his part in the games against Tottenham Hotspur, Liverpool, Chelsea and Manchester City, while scoring a goal against the latter.

And with his contract due to expire in 2016, the club has rewarded him with a new deal.

"Chris Smalling has signed a new contract at Manchester United which keeps him at the club until at least June 2019," the club confirmed.

"The England international, 25, has won two Premier League medals with United, made 147 appearances, and scored nine goals since his debut against Chelsea in the Community Shield in August 2010."

Van Gaal hailed the decision, claiming the centre-back has become an "integral" part of his team.

He said: "Chris has improved and developed immensely during the short time that I have been at the club and has become an integral part of the first-team squad. He always conducts himself in a very professional manner and it is also pleasing that he has scored some important goals this season too. I am delighted he has signed a new contract."

Meanwhile, Smalling has expressed his delight about the agreement. He said: "I'm delighted to sign my new contract.

"I am so proud to play for such a great club. We have developed as a team over the course of the season under Louis van Gaal and we are now playing as a complete unit. This is a very exciting time to be at Manchester United, we are all determined to get back to where we belong and competing at the highest level."

Earlier in 2015, United secured the services of Paddy McNair, Tyler Blackett and Reece James.