Manchester United transfer news: Matteo Darmian plays down talk of return to Italy

Matteo Darmian insists he is happy at Manchester United, despite reports linking the full-back with a summer return to Italy.

Two years ago the full-back took the plunge by leaving his homeland for the first time in his career, swapping Torino for Old Trafford in a deal worth £12.7million.

Darmian struggled to fulfil expectations in his first season and took his time to win over Jose Mourinho last term, eventually returning from the cold towards the end of the campaign.

The 27-year-old clearly impressed the United boss given he started the Europa League final triumph against Ajax - a match that at times this summer perhaps looked like being his last for the club.

Juventus have been strongly linked with a move for Darmian and barely a week goes by without talk of an Old Trafford exit, yet the full-back downplayed speculation as just part of the job.

"Every time I read something about my future... but (there is) nothing news (wise)," he told Press Association Sport. "I am happy here.

"I think also it is a part of our work, these kind of rumours.

"Like I said before, I am happy here so nothing news (wise). I am a Manchester United player - that's it."

Mourinho will have some decisions to make regarding his defence this summer, but retaining Darmian looks logical given his impressive end to last season and versatility.

"I always say the position doesn't matter to me," he said, having proven capable in both full-back slots.

"If I have to play left or right, I work hard to be ready when the manager gives me an opportunity and that's it.

"I try to do my best every time, every game. I try to work hard during the week and that's my philosophy."

Pushed on whether he preferred one side to the other, Darmian said: "Not really. I prefer maybe to play on the right side, but no problem at all."