Chris Smalling poses with Man Utd star at girlfriend’s 30th celebrations

Manchester United defenders Chris Smalling and Phil Jones

Chris Smalling and Phil Jones look to be taking their centre-half partnership off the pitch.

The Manchester centre-halves helped Louis van Gaal’s side keep a clean sheet in a goalless draw with Manchester United in the derby at Old Trafford on Sunday afternoon.

Jones is staking a claim to be Smalling’s long-term centre-half partner after his return from injury saw the England thrown straight back into the first-team.

And the former Blackburn Rovers defender was present as Smalling celebrated his glamour model girlfriend’s 30th birthday on Sunday night.

Samantha Cooke wrote on her Instagram page: “Last night 🙌🏽 30th celebrations @smalling @kayastar_ @philjones_4”

Smalling has started all 10 of United’s Premier League games this season.

The former Fulham defender has already partnered Daley Blind, Marcos Rojo and Jones at centre-half.

United are two points Premier League leaders Manchester City after their stalemate at Old Trafford.

The Red Devils make the trip to Crystal Palace in their next Premier League game.