Darmian willing to do anything to win over Jose

He might have made his name playing on the right, but Matteo Darmian is ready to show Jose Mourinho his versatility if it means getting game time for Manchester United.

The Italian international full-back was used as a right wing-back during Euro 2016 by Antonio Conte, coincidentally the permanent replacement for Mourinho at Chelsea, and made his first appearance for United in pre-season in Gothenburg this week.

New boss Mourinho decided to use Darmian at left-back, bringing him on for Luke Shaw, with Ashley Young and Antonio Valencia employed on the right.

And Darmian explained that he was prepared to slot in wherever necessary in order to get into Mourinho’s side.

(John Peters/Man Utd via Getty Images)

“I’m a right-back but I can also play left-back,” he said.

“If the manager needs me on the left, I’ll play on the left but, otherwise, I play on the right.

“The game was important to play because I’d worked for just one week.

“I came back only last week so I have to improve my condition but it was okay out there.

“I think it’s good to have such competition within the squad because there are a lot of good players for every position in a big team.

“You just have to be ready for when the manager gives you a chance. I think he’s a great manager, he’s very hungry and his victories and successes speak volumes for him.

“We want to improve this week to be ready for the first game of the season.”