Darmian to go to Inter... or stay at United

Matteo Darmian is the forgotten man at Manchester United, after the club failed to agree a price for him with any of his Italian suitors last summer. Instead of risking selling him on the cheap, we’ve kept him at the club for a further year, paying his £60,000-a-week contract, for him to make six appearances.

With just 360 minutes of playing time in all competitions, it’s strange that he’s at the club at all, when he was adamant he wanted to leave and the club deemed him surplus to requirements.

Reports from Italy today have claimed that Inter Milan is still Darmian’s most likely destination this summer, the best free bets offers for 2019 would have his transfer as a no-brainer, with him available on a free with his contract expiring.

However, the same report claims that United have told the right-back he can stay, with them prepared to offer him a new four year deal. This seems quite extraordinary, given how long he has been neglected by the club, but Ole Gunnar Solskjaer revealed on Friday morning that Darmian would be included in the squad for West Ham.

Darmian has behaved admirably throughout his time at the club, even if his form has been hit and miss in the few opportunities he’s been given in the past year or so. A few months ago, he spoke of his feelings towards the club, while also conceding he misses home.

I must say, I really do miss Serie A and Italy now. I know that I am at one of the best clubs in the world and I am proud to be at Manchester United, but I do miss Italy. I love my country.

Ashley Young has been a poor option at right-back but Solskjaer has continued to play him. Diogo Dalot has been impressive for United and does well getting forward. He will likely only get better with more playing time too.

Given a choice between Young and Darmian, the right-back who was so impressive in the victorious Europa League final against Ajax, many now would go with the latter. While Young clearly cares and tries, he’s been exposed too many times this season. If Darmian can stay fit, Solskjaer may be tempted to give him more playing time in the remaining weeks as we chase top four. But chances are that he will stick with the familiar, even if the supporters disagree with it.