There were many things wrong with Louis Van Gaal’s time at Manchester United. Negative tactics, slow football and incredible inconsistency made for a deeply frustrating two years under the Dutchman’s command. Few players in United’s current set-up will likely remember the former Barcelona and Bayern Munich boss with much fondness, as many would find themselves dropped if they committed one single error and would subsequently be kept on the sidelines for several weeks afterwards.
Memphis Depay certainly suffered from his manager failing to show faith and confidence in his abilities on a consistent basis, and despite a very strong start at right back, Matteo Darmian ended last season on the periphery of the first team squad. The Italian was signed from Serie A outfit Torino, and looked remarkably composed and comfortable in the early days of his time at Old Trafford.
Unfortunately, with Antonio Valencia becoming first choice for Van Gaal and now his successor, Jose Mourinho, Darmian now finds himself shoved down the pecking order at right back. He’s made one appearance this season, in the 1-0 defeat to Feyenoord in the Europa League and saw Timothy Fosu-Mensah start ahead of him, which has naturally prompted the suggestion that Darmian may not be at Old Trafford much longer.
As such, it’s no surprise to see that the Italian press are already running reports for potential suitors for their countryman, with daily mail reporting that La Gazzetta Dello Sport are mentioning the Italian capital as a potential destination. Inter Milan are said to be interested and are looking as striking a loan deal for him this coming January, and with Darmian seeing so little football so far this season, it might be the best move to safeguard his place in the set-up for the Italian national side.
It would be a shame to see Darmian leave United, given that he has been given so little time to truly prove himself and especially after he described his move to the club just over a year ago as “a dream.” His start was particularly impressive, but, as with several other players, he became constrained by Van Gaal’s tactics and looked far less effective. With Mourinho preferring the strength and pace of Valencia on the right side of defence, and with the Ecuadorian possessing greater attacking instincts, it might be the best move for Darmian to make a move back to his homeland. It’d be a shame to see him leave so soon, but if Mourinho truly doesn’t have a place for him, it’s probably for the best.
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