Manchester United manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has insisted that Chris Smalling still has a future at the Premier League club.
The centre-back confirmed the end of his loan deal at Serie A side Roma on Twitter.
While the Italian season is complete, Roma are still in Europe and have a Europa League last-16 tie with Sevilla on Thursday night in Duisburg.
"I’m gutted that I can’t finish what we started this season," Smalling tweeted.
"To experience the love shown to me in such a short time was extra special and it will not be forgotten. I want to thank and wish all the players and staff the best of luck against Sevilla."
The 30-year old has been a player reborn this season. He played 37 games in all competitions for the Giallorossi as they finished 5th in Serie A.
An extension to Smalling's loan could't be agreed, and so he returns to Old Trafford.
"I think Chris has shown over his career at Man United how valuable he is for Man United," Solskjaer said prior to Wednesday's Europa League second leg with LASK.
I’m gutted that I can’t finish what we started this season. To experience the love shown to me in such a short time was extra special and it will not be forgotten. I want to thank and wish all the players and staff the best of luck against Sevilla. DAJE ROMA! 💛❤️ 🐺 pic.twitter.com/9vHfpWUNsz
— Chris Smalling (@ChrisSmalling) August 4, 2020
"This season was about him being a regular, going to Roma, showing and proving how good a centre-back he is.
"I wanted to give Harry [Maguire], Vic [Victor Lindelof], maybe Axel [Tuanzebe] a chance, so we found out that was the best for him to go to Roma, play for a year.
"Now he's coming back and Chris has shown this season that he will be valuable.
"I've been speaking to Chris throughout and been delighted with his season."
While he welcomed back Smalling with open arms, Solskjaer was less keen to discuss the possible arrival of Jadon Sancho.
Talks are reportedly ongoing regarding making the Borussia Dortmund forward a €120million recruit.
"This transfer window is a long one," was the United boss' response when asked about the Sancho talks.
Solskjaer added, "Every transfer takes its course. It is what it is, so if there is any news we will update you."
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