Manchester United defender Chris Smalling reveals that he has been in contact with boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer during his loan spell at Roma.

Smalling has excelled in the Italian capital after signing for the season late in the transfer window.

He is one of the best defenders in Serie A this season, which means a return to United in the summer is a possibility.

Smalling revealed he has been in communication with Solskjaer through text.

"I still speak to all the players – I was there a long time, they're my friends.

"Tough times there at the moment, but the manager drops me messages," Smalling told The Athletic.

"He's watching me, he saw I've been man of the match and congratulated me.

"I think that Italian football suits aggressive and quick defenders who read the game well.

"I want to be a nuisance to the strikers here, just as I did in England."