Matteo Darmian Transfers to Manchester United from Torino

Manchester United have completed the signing of Torino defender Matteo Darmian, the team announced.

The 25-year-old will be United's second arrival of the summer after the capture of Memphis Depay from PSV Eindhoven.

"

It is a dream come true to be joining Manchester United," Darmian said, via Manchester United's release. "I have loved the time that I have spent at Torino and I would like to thank the club and the fans for everything they have done for me. I am sure they can understand when the opportunity to join the biggest club in world came along it was something I had to do. To work with Louis van Gaal, a manager that has achieved so much in football is such an exciting prospect.”

"

The team also provided comments from Red Devils boss Louis van Gaal:

"

Matteo is a right-sided full back with the versatility of also being able to play on the left.  He is a strong defender and has the ability to go forward in the attacking positions which is a fantastic attribute to have and much needed in the fast rhythm of the Premier League. Matteo will be a great addition to the team. I am delighted to welcome Matteo to the club and look forward to working with him in the coming days.

"

Darmian voiced his delight at the move earlier in the day, per David Amoyal of GianlucaDiMarzio.com: "I'm very excited. ... It's a dream, I'm superstitious so I won't say anything until the signatures, let's wait. I say thank you to Torino and their fans who have been great these years."

Torino manager Giampiero Ventura previously confessed his club were helpless to stop Darmian joining United, per Samuel Luckhurst of the Daily Mirror on July 9:

"

It’s true, Darmian will play in the Champions League with Manchester United.  Matteo deserves a top team and always dreamed of playing in the Champions League, so now that dream will be realised. 

We worked with Darmian for many years and it’s only right he should be given the chance to make his Champions League dream come true.

"

A transfer fee of £12.9 million plus £2 million in add-ons has been agreed between the clubs, according to a July 8 Guardian report.

Darmian will be a pragmatic addition for van Gaal, who is seeking new stars and squad depth heading into his second season with the club.

The 25-year-old is a hard worker who likes to defend and can play as either a right-back or left-back. He has experience in the middle too, but he's best utilised when he can get the ball out of his feet and look to move forward.

It's entirely possible Van Gaal will snap him up ahead of switching to three at the back, with Darmian and Luke Shaw or Ashley Young filling the marauding wing roles in a five-man midfield. The Italian is easily adaptable and could prove to be useful with United's added schedule of Champions League football on the horizon.

Valerio Pennicino/Getty Images

Darmian made 43 appearances for Torino across Serie A and the Europa League last season, scoring four goals and providing four assists, per WhoScored.com.

His arrival will not only allow Valencia to return to his role on the wing, but it may also see the end of Rafael's hopes of breaking back into the United team. The club are willing to listen to offers for the Brazilian, as reported by Sky Sports.

Van Gaal is right to add a multifunctional star to his squad, but the Red Devils boss will be defined by his bigger-name signings over the course of the next season.