Manchester United Transfer News: Matteo Darmian Targeted in Roma, Napoli Rumours

Manchester United full-back Matteo Darmian is reportedly a target for AS Roma and Napoli, with his future uncertain at Old Trafford. 

Michael Kelleher of Sky Sports cited Sky sources that suggested the two Serie A sides want to bring the 26-year-old back to the Italian top flight after an inconsistent first season with the Red Devils.

Sky Sports News HQ’s Kaveh Solhekol noted that Darmian doesn’t appear to be in the plans of manager Jose Mourinho:

Indeed, Antonio Valencia has been the new boss’ first-choice full-back early in his tenure, while the Red Devils also have impressive youngster Timothy Fosu-Mensah to call upon in this position.

Darmian joined United from Torino last summer with a lot expectation. The Italian had always impressed on the international stage and was a model of consistency with the Turin club during his time in Serie A.

Jon Super/Associated Press

He started well at United, defending studiously and providing plenty of energy going forward. However, Darmian picked up an injury during the festive period and failed to find his best again for the rest of the campaign.

Sports journalist Liam Canning feels Darmian’s own loss of form tied into the struggles of the team and he should be given another chance to prove himself:

Valencia and Fosu-Mensah both fit the Mourinho blueprint more than Darmian, though. While the latter is a hungry player, solid both in defence and going forward, he lacks the physicality of the aforementioned duo.

Against Bournemouth on Sunday in United’s Premier League opener, Valencia bullied opponents with his bursts forward, offering great penetration from the flank, with Juan Mata drifting inside.

Fosu-Mensah, in the few appearances he made late last term, was also a powerful presence when overlapping on the right flank.

Matthew Ashton - AMA/Getty Images

Darmian doesn’t have the dynamism nor the build to provide that type of forceful outlet from full-back.

As Bleacher Report’s Paul Ansorge noted, Mata and Valencia seem to have struck up an understanding on the right, too:

"

Mata and Valencia link up play there was 

— Paul (@UtdRantcast) August 14, 2016"

Not being included in the squad paints a bleak picture of what the Italian’s future will be at Old Trafford. The chance to join Roma or Napoli, where he would be an upgrade on the right-back options of either side, would likely be appealing. Especially in a division that Darmian knows well and has excelled in.

A sale would be a big show of faith in Valencia on the part of Mourinho, especially given he lacks a lot of the defensive attributes Darmian possesses.

In games where a steadier presence on the right of the defence is useful, the former Torino man could be an ideal option. Perhaps the Portuguese will hand him that type of chance before making a final decision on his future.