Matteo Darmian has spoken about the exit claims that continue to trail him at Manchester United. The right-back had been used sparingly all season, but an injury crisis meant he has been in the first team in recent weeks, giving boss, Jose Mourinho, a selection dilemma.
Darmian had not played a minute of league football prior to the unlucky goalless draw against Burnley last month. He played well, but was not overly spectacular. The next game saw him play very well, as United overcame Swansea 3-1.
The media has been awash with news that Mourinho is looking to sell the former Torino defender, who earns in the region of £60k-per-week, in the January transfer window. Mourinho praised the performance of Darmian in Wales, as he slotted in at left back, delivering a defensive balance to his attacking game, that neither Luke Shaw nor Daley Blind has offered this season.
He believes the reports that Mourinho wants to offload him are just a figment of reporters’ imaginations, and that he isn’t looking at the January transfer window with trepidation.
Speaking with Sky Sport Italia, via ESPN, he said, “I’ve read things like that, but I don’t think it’s true. “I keep going on my way, working to improve and to give the coach a selection headache. I’m not thinking about the transfer market. It’s still too early.” he added.
Despite struggling for game time this season, Darmian has been called up for international duty by Italy boss, Giampiero Ventura.
Darmian joined Manchester United in the summer of 2015 from Torino for £12m, signing a four year contract, with the option of a further year. He can play as a right back and also as a left back. As a player who got his football education in Italy, the art of defending comes naturally to him. He is a good tackler, good at distributing the ball and has a fierce determination not to allow any opposition player get the better of him.
