Manchester United Transfer News: Red Devils end Christian Eriksen pursuit, Harry Maguire shirt number officially revealed, and more: August 7, 2019

#3 United reject loan bid for Chris Smalling

Manchester United have refused to let Chris Smalling go on loan

Harry Maguire's arrival at Old Trafford was supposed to trigger a set of chain reactions in the squad. The Englishman is a part of at least 7 centerbacks at United right now, including Axel Tuanzebe, Eric Bailly, Victor Lindelof, Chris Smalling, Phil Jones and Marcos Rojo. While the Maguire-Lindelof pairing should be Solskjaer's preferred choice, it was expected that the Red Devils would be open to offloading at least a couple of the squad players for the same position.

Sky Sports reports that Everton had approached United with a loan offer for Chris Smalling, but it was rejected by the Red Devils. Solskjaer apparent sees the Englishman as an integral part of his squad and is unwilling to let him leave. Smalling signed a contract extention in December last year, which shall keep him at Old Trafford until June 2022, with an option for an additional year.

While United's reluctance to sell might surprise a few fans, it is understandable why Solskjaer wants the Englishman around. Eric Bailly is out for 4 months with injury and Phil Jones and Marcos Rojo have an injury ridden history. As such, Smalling and young Tuanzebe remain the only viable back up plan for the Maguire-Lindelof pair.