The Independent

Darmian wants to stay and fight for United place

- SIMON PEACH

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."

 ?? (Manchester United) ?? Matteo Darmian: "I try to do my best every time, every game"
(Manchester United) Matteo Darmian: "I try to do my best every time, every game"

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