Bharath Rammr
Matteo Darmian has been one of the several names to have benefited from Manchester United’s incredibly poor form during the months of October and November. José Mourinho did not seem to have the slightest interest in utilising the services of the Italian international in his first few weeks as the United boss. Matteo Darmian, along with the likes of Bastian Schweinsteiger and Morgan Schneiderlin, seemed destined for an exit from Old Trafford even in January, but now, with the January transfer window approaching, transfer rumours surrounding the 27-year-old have died down.
Part of the reason has been the lack of a concrete offer from any interested clubs like Inter Milan and Juventus leading to Manchester United accepting the fact that they may struggle to ship out the defender without undergoing a massive loss on the £15 million investment. The regular first-team opportunities being dished out to Darmian also appears to have brought about a change in mind for the defender. He has confirmed that he is no longer interested in moving away from Old Trafford.
As quoted by ESPN, he said:
“I play for one of the biggest clubs in the world so I’m happy. I listen and read about the transfer but I don’t know anything. At the moment, nothing is true. I will continue to do my job and want to stay here.”
A starting spot for the 27-year-old in the weekend’s game against Tottenham was a sign of the increasing faith in the player for José Mourinho. Even though he had a tough time in the second half dealing with Mousa Sissoko, he ended up coming out on top and helped Manchester United secure much-needed clean sheet after three consecutive 1-1 draws.
Even though Darmian is a right back by nature, José Mourinho has once again fiddled with the player’s natural positions in order to benefit the team. In his second spell at Chelsea, the Portuguese manager converted Cesar Azpilicueta – once again a natural right back – into a left back with great success. Darmian insisted that he is not worried about playing in the left back contrary to rumours. After having played in this position for the last few matches, he is clearly settling into the role. He continued:
“I’m a natural right-back but playing on the left is not a big problem. I’ve been at left-back the last few matches and I feel comfortable in that position.”
José Mourinho has confirmed that the club will not be entering into the January transfer window in order to strengthen the defence. It comes as a major statement from the Portuguese manager considering that United have been linked with several defenders over the last few months. Players who were out of favour a few weeks ago like Marcos Rojo and Matteo Darmian have been integral in the club’s revival in form. Mourinho now looks to change his attitude with these players.
He has confirmed that the club will be looking within in order to solve any defensive issues that may crop up from between now and the end of the season.
