Manchester United Transfer News: Latest on Matteo Darmian, Jose Mourinho Rumours

Manchester United manager Jose Mourinho reportedly blocked a move from Inter Milan for Matteo Darmian, as he sees the Italian as a key part of his plans.

That's according to Fabrizio Romano of Calciomercato.com, who has suggested the former Torino man was considering his future in the summer market, with AS Roma and Napoli noted as possible suitors. However, it is Inter who were said to have pressed ahead in an attempt to sign the defender.

"[Inter] sent an official letter to United for the Italian wing-back on the last Friday of the transfer window," Romano noted. "Manchester United did not bite as they kept Darmian since Mourinho really likes the player a lot. Darmian's versatility is something the Mourinho likes but having that said, he will have a hard time to find starting minutes at United."

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The piece continued, suggesting Inter and Juventus will move for Darmian again in the winter window, as will Fiorentina. Even so, the manager's willingness to keep the defender is said to most likely scupper any switch, and "it will be very difficult for him to change his mind."

Contrasting reports have emerged about the dynamic between player and manager, though. Tuttosport (h/t Football Italia) have suggested there is "complete breakdown" in their relationship.

In the opening weeks of the Premier League season, Mourinho has used Antonio Valencia at right-back, and the Ecuadorian has turned in some fine performances. It's left Darmian on the fringes and in a major fight for minutes at Old Trafford.

Indeed, despite being on the sidelines for long spells in 2015-16, Valencia has been one of the standout players in the Premier League so far this season. He's been recognised for his fine form, too, per BBC Sport's Simon Stone:

Naturally, this isn't good news for Darmian as he seeks to reclaim his place. The Italian was impressive early on after moving from Serie A last summer, but some injury problems sapped his momentum, and he has never quite been at his best since.

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When he's on form, Darmian is the kind of player Mourinho would love to have in the squad. The Italy international can operate on either flank, is focused in his defensive duties and is superb at covering centre-backs when the opposition come forward.

He remains a United player and will surely be used throughout the season. According to Rob Dawson of the Manchester Evening News, should any player wish to depart Old Trafford, they'll need to make their feelings known to the manager:

Valencia has been superb in the early weeks of Mourinho's tenure, although that is in part down to the opposition United have come up against. None of Bournemouth, Southampton and Hull City were keen to roam from a compact, narrow shape, allowing the Ecuador international the freedom of the right flank to burst forward.

In the past, Valencia has been found wanting in his defensive duties against savvier attacking outfits, and for a pragmatist like Mourinho, you wonder whether he'd be trusted in the titanic contests this season. Darmian, who is far less cavalier in his duties, would be a much more dependable option if keeping the opposition out is the order of the day.