With JAMES RICHARDSON
we all saw that bizarre photograph of Cole where he was standing away from his team-mates in an official shot with a puzzled expression.
“It didn’t seem to show a player who was particularly on board.
“With Smalling I’m not sure what he’s done differently but he’s fortunate to work with a manager like Paulo Fonseca, who has had huge success in difficult circumstances.
“It’s also a nice group of players. The situation might just be as simple as that. But the way he has applied himself and adapted his game is exceptional.
“The really nice thing is the way he’s appreciated. They call him ‘Smaldini’ in reference to Paolo Maldini.
“They also call him ‘Smalldair’ because Aldair in the 90s was one of Serie A’s – and the world’s – best centre-backs. To have him referenced in Smalling’s nickname is high praise.”
The London-born defender is set to return to England once the season is completed and could get another chance at United following his exploits on the continent.
But Richardson reckons staying in
Rome would be the best call. He said: “Should Smalling stay in one of the world’s most beautiful cities where he’s universally appreciated or return to a club that seems to be in a permanent state of crisis?
“There will be factors with lots of zeros that might make United seem like a better place to be.
“He might also class them as more likely to compete for major honours but should anyone stay at Roma? Absolutely. It’s the nicest city.”
Richardson, meanwhile, is less sure about the impact of another of United’s exports to Italy this season – Alexis Sanchez.
The Chilean moved to Inter Milan on loan but has flopped again.
“Perhaps it’s the amount of football that guy has played,” said Richardson.
“He was unstoppable at Udinese, Barcelona and then Arsenal. One of the issues is he never seemed to get a break as they are always playing Copa America and that kind of thing. Sanchez, to be fair, looked like he might have an impact at Inter but then got injured.”