Manchester United Transfer News: Matteo Darmian Exit Blocked Amid Latest Rumours

Manchester United manager Jose Mourinho will reportedly stop any potential sale of full-back Matteo Darmian in January. 

That’s according to Calciomercato (h/t Dipesh Agarwal of Sport Witness), who noted that the Italy international is set to stay at Old Trafford despite interest from Inter Milan. Mourinho is said to have decided to “permanently block” any switch and seek to bring the best out of the former Torino man.

Indeed, it’s noted that Darmian had already given the go-ahead on a move to Inter in January on loan before a potential permanent transfer during the summer. The Italian side are said to still be hopeful of getting this one done.

Mike Hewitt/Getty Images

However, it looks as though it’ll be a much more difficult deal for the Nerazzurri to push over the line. That’s because United’s first-choice right-back Antonio Valencia is set for a spell on the sidelines due to injury; Darmian and Timothy Fosu-Mensah are Mourinho’s other main options in the position.

United writer Scott Patterson isn’t sure whether the 26-year-old is good enough to fill in for a much improved Valencia:

Darmian was drafted into the Red Devils setup for the 0-0 draw with Burnley and had a mixed afternoon.

Immediately it was clear that United lacked penetration on the right flank, which is something that Valencia adds in spades. However, Darmian did move forward with intelligence and incision at times in the game and could have won a penalty for his side when he was felled by Jon Flanagan in the area; Mark Clattenburg waved away the protests.

OLI SCARFF/Getty Images

Mourinho certainly thought the decision should have gone the way of his team and was sent to the stands after reportedly ranting at the referee at the interval. However, Paul Ansorge of Bleacher Report is unsure whether or not the Portuguese will be too pleased with Darmian’s lack of defensive urgency:

"

Would love to know what Jose made of Darmian just casually jogging back after that move broke down! 

— Paul (@UtdRantcast) October 29, 2016"

In fairness to the full-back his defending is on point. Darmian rarely gets beaten in one-on-one duels, is a sharp reader of the game and possesses the energy needed to recover position quickly when he does move forward. They’re traits that Mourinho has typically sought in full-backs throughout his career.

Darmian has a brilliant chance to prove he can be a success at Old Trafford now. With a consistent run of games there should be a foundation for improvement and at his best, the Italian’s best attributes marry up well with the principles of his manager. Mourinho deciding to keep him on board may be the inspiration the defender needs to kick on.