Manchester United defender Matteo Darmian is looking forward to impress his manager Jose Mourinho at Old Trafford.
The 53-year-old was appointed as United manager in May as he replaced Louis van Gaal as the Red Devils’ new boss. So far, the Portuguese tactician has managed United in three pre-season fixtures, with the last one coming against Galatasaray over the last weekend.
Darmian was a part of the Italy squad for the Euro 2016. The Azzurri, led by now Chelsea manager Antonio Conte were knocked out of the tournament in the quarter-final by Germany. Due to his participation in the European championship, the former Torino man was not a part of the side that faced Wigan Athletic and also missed their trip to China.
“The game was important to play because I’d worked for just one week. I came back only last week so I have to improve my condition but it was okay out there,” Darmian told United’s official website.
“I think it’s good to have such competition within the squad because there are a lot of good players for every position in a big team. You just have to be ready for when the manager gives you a chance.
“I think he’s a great manager, he’s very hungry and his victories and successes speak volumes for him. We want to improve this week to be ready for the first game of the season.”
Darmian latest comments has put the recent speculations surrounding his future to bed.According to The Sun, the full-back has linked with a return to Italy, with Serie A giants Napoli looking at the option of signing him.
The 26-year-old featured for the first time under Mourinho when United beat the Turkish giants 5-2 in Sweden. Darmian replaced Luke Shaw in the left-back position, but he admitted that playing on the other end of the defence is his preferred position.
“I’m a right-back but I can also play left-back. If the manager needs me on the left, I’ll play on the left but, otherwise, I play on the right,” he explained.
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