Chris Smalling eagerly anticipating playing with Phil Jones at Manchester United

Chris Smalling(Getty Images)

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Chris Smalling envisions partnering Phil Jones at the heart of Manchester United‘s defence, after the Red Devils announced that they had come to an agreement with Blackburn Rovers over the sale of the youngster.

The 19-year-old is on a five-year deal at Old Trafford and has already played alongside Smalling at the England Under-21 level, and now the former Fulham man has hailed his fellow defender.

“It’s brilliant,” he told reporters. “I’ve really enjoyed playing with him and it’s hard to think he’s only 19 as well, so hopefully we can play together for a few years and see this championship out as well first and go further than a couple of years ago.”

Jones’ transfer to Old Trafford was not without it’s moments, which could have potentially distracted the youngster during the U-21 European Championship in Denmark.

“You wouldn’t think it,” said Smalling. “We’ve just trained together these last couple of weeks and nothing’s changed and that togetherness showed.”