Smalling joined United from Fullham in the summer.
“It’s been great so far,” he told the club’s official website. “I’ve been made to feel very welcome by everybody which has really helped.
“Going on tour in the summer was key in terms of the settling in process as I got to know a lot of the lads well. It’s a real family club with a great atmosphere.”
Smalling played non-league football two years ago, before being snapped up by Fulham.
He added: “I always hoped I’d get a chance to prove myself at the top level because I believed I could do it, but making your way up the football ladder is tough and not everyone can make it.
“When I went for my trial at Fulham I’d already applied to Loughborough University to study business management with economics.
“I’d have been happy to go to uni, but obviously it was my dream to play football. Joining United was a real shock but a great surprise.”
