Matteo Darmian wants to stay and fight for his Manchester United place despite Juventus transfer interest

Juve have been strongly linked with a move for Darmian and barely a week goes by without talk of an Old Trafford exit, yet the full-back downplayed speculation as just part of the job

Simon Peach
Los Angeles
Saturday 22 July 2017 05:10 EDT
Comments
Matteo Darmian wants to stay and fight for his place at Manchester United
Matteo Darmian wants to stay and fight for his place at Manchester United (Getty)

Your support helps us to tell the story

From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.

At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.

The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.

Your support makes all the difference.

Matteo Darmian insists he is happy at Manchester United, despite reports linking the full-back with a summer return to Italy.

Two years ago the full-back took the plunge by leaving his homeland for the first time in his career, swapping Torino for Old Trafford in a deal worth £12.7million.

Darmian struggled to fulfil expectations in his first season and took his time to win over Jose Mourinho last term, eventually returning from the cold towards the end of the campaign.

The 27-year-old clearly impressed the United boss given he started the Europa League final triumph against Ajax - a match that at times this summer perhaps looked like being his last for the club.

Juventus have been strongly linked with a move for Darmian and barely a week goes by without talk of an Old Trafford exit, yet the full-back downplayed speculation as just part of the job.

"Every time I read something about my future... but (there is) nothing news (wise)," he said. "I am happy here. I think also it is a part of our work, these kind of rumours.

"Like I said before, I am happy here so nothing news (wise). I am a Manchester United player - that's it."

Mourinho will have some decisions to make regarding his defence this summer, but retaining Darmian looks logical given his impressive end to last season and versatility.

"I always say the position doesn't matter to me," he said, having proven capable in both full-back slots. "If I have to play left or right, I work hard to be ready when the manager gives me an opportunity and that's it.

"I try to do my best every time, every game. I try to work hard during the week and that's my philosophy."

Join our commenting forum

Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies

Comments

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in