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Chris Smalling is ready to turn his back on Manchester United for good.

Smalling has joined Roma on loan until the end of the season, having fallen out of favour under Ole Gunnar Solskjaer following United's £80million capture of Harry Maguire.

Defender Smalling, who is also no longer part of England boss Gareth Southgate's plans, is relishing his fresh start in Italy.

And the 29-year-old said he can see himself staying at Roma on a permanent basis if the move to Serie A goes well this season.

"To be able to have the chance at a big club, and then if it prolongs and the club is happy, then I can definitely see a longer term future in Italy,” said Smalling.

(Image: CIAMBELLI/SIPA/REX)

"I think this is an opportunity that came to me that I was very interested in and I'm very eager to come.

"It happened very quickly and I think if I focus on the next game, getting up to speed with training, in terms of the manager's methods and then hopefully have a very good season, then see what happens.”

Smalling is down the pecking order at Old Trafford behind new arrival Maguire, Victor Lindelof, Phil Jones and Eric Bailly.

(Image: EMPICS Sport)

The former Maidstone United and Fulham centre-back is one of a number of United players who have headed to Serie A in search of first-team football.

United sold Romelu Lukaku to Inter Milan for £73 million, and was joined by Alexis Sanchez on loan.

Matteo Darmian also returned to his homeland to sign for Parma.

Meanwhile Marcos Rojo has admitted he will be forced to leave the Red Devils in January if he does not feature in Solskjaer's plans.

(Image: SIPA USA/PA Images)

Rojo was close to joining Everton in a deadline day loan switch, but the deal feel through.

He said: "I had the possibility of Everton, but by decisions of the club or the manager it wasn’t possible.

“Now I have to fight until December and if it doesn’t work out, I will try to leave.