The 21-year-old forward, who has signed a new long-term contract with the club, enjoyed a meteoric rise through the ranks when afforded his first-team opportunity due to an injury crisis in 2016. Of course, he took that chance with both hands by scoring doubles against Midtjylland, in the Europa League, and Arsenal, in the Premier League, at Old Trafford.
Experienced United defender Smalling was immediately taken aback by the sheer pace of the youngster and impressed by his confidence and personality.
“Obviously, it was under Louis van Gaal when I first came across him,” Smalling told us.