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Smalling happy to have avoided taking the easy way out at Man Utd and retains England ambition

The experienced defender admits he could have stayed at Old Trafford and challenged for game time, but is enjoying the opportunity to spread his wings

Chris Smalling admits the “easy decision” for him over the summer would have been to stay at Manchester United, but he is determined to make the most of a loan spell at Roma.

One of the longest-serving players at Old Trafford decided that the time was right to take on a new challenge during the last transfer window.

With United having invested a record-breaking £80 million ($100m) in Harry Maguire and competition for places already fierce, Smalling found himself at an important career crossroads.