Juventus are reportedly close to completing a deal for Manchester United’s Matteo Darmian, according to a report in the Belfast Telegraph. It says that the Italian player’s representatives have met with the Bianconeri’s sporting director Fabio Paratici in an effort to complete negotiations after talks had stuttered after United were initially thought to be asking for too much money for the former Torino defender.
Darmian, purchased by then-manager Louis van Gaal in the summer of 2015, started brightly at United at right back, but eventually fell behind Antonio Valencia in the pecking order to the point where the Dutchman seemingly preferred to utilise the former Wigan winger in the role. The arrival of Jose Mourinho did little to change things, and during two seasons under the Portuguese’s management, Darmian failed to hold down a regular starting position and was reduced to a bit-part role. A stirring performance in last season’s Europa League final aside, and an excellent strike against Crystal Palace aside, the Italian has failed to make a distinctive impression during a period of flux for the club, and a return to his home country seems to suit both parties.
The transfer of FC Porto’s Diogo Dalot earlier this summer also appears to have limited Darmian’s chances of playing, with the 19-year old brought in primarily to act as back-up to Valencia whilst he becomes acquainted with English football. With United seemingly unwilling to purchase another left back at present, and with no exists seemingly planned, his chances of breaking into the side were very slim, but after such an encouraging start under Van Gaal, it’s a shame to see Darmian’s United career falter and fail like it has. A return to Serie A, presumably as a squad option for Juventus would likely be more preferable for the player than the same role at Old Trafford.
