Chris Smalling has 'told' Jadon Sancho why he should leave Man Utd for Roma as Jose Mourinho 'plots move'

Chris Smalling's experience at Roma could help convince Jadon Sancho to move to the Italian club.

Sancho has not played for United in a month, having been embroiled in a public fall-out with manager Erik ten Hag.

The United boss claimed the 23-year-old had not been part of the squad that lost 3-1 to Arsenal due to his performances in training, a statement which Sancho vehemently refuted.

The England international took to social media to deny Ten Hag’s claim he had not trained to a sufficient standard, adding he felt he had been “scapegoated” at Old Trafford.

In turn, Sancho has been training away from the first-team squad with it having been widely reported that the player can only return to the first-team fold by apologising to Ten Hag.

Since then, Sancho has been linked with clubs in the Saudi Pro League and a return to Borussia Dortmund, while a move to Jose Mourinho’s Roma was touted on Monday.

According to Il Romanista, Mourinho wants to sign Sancho “at all costs”, with the Serie A club “monitoring” the attacker’s situation at Old Trafford.

Of course, should Sancho look at Smalling’s time in the Italian capital, he may be convinced of the merits of moving from United to Roma.

The centre-back has reignited his career under Mourinho, having endured a difficult end to his spell at Old Trafford.

Indeed, upon extending his contract at the club, Smalling said: “Choosing to remain at Roma was an easy decision to make.

“I'm playing the best football of my career here and my family and I have felt so welcome in this wonderful city from day one. What's more, this club is clearly taking great strides forward in all areas.

“I want to thank our fans too: the unconditional support they have shown me helped make the decision even easier.”

Sancho may look to the 33-year-old should he choose to chart his United escape route.

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Topics: Football, Manchester United, Jadon Sancho, AS Roma, Chris Smalling, Transfers

Chris Byfield

Sport journalist with experience writing on football, rugby, boxing and the Olympics. I'm also a Crystal Palace fan. Please don't hold this against me.