Matteo Darmian 'happy' at Man Utd, despite Juventus link

Two years ago Darmian 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.

He 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 looked like being his last for the club.

Juventus have been strongly linked with a move for Darmian - they are odds-on at 5/6 with Sky Bet to sign him this summer -  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 said. "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. He is 10/11 to still be at United when the transfer window closes.

"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."

He added he feels he has now adapted to the more physical nature of the English game.

"I think Serie A is more tactical and less physical," Darmian, whose English continues to improve, said. "Here, it is more physical, maybe more up and down.

"The rate is higher than Serie A and from the first day I tried to adapt this kind of football, but I think I have to say thank you to the team as it is also for them that I adapted well."

If physicality rules in England, then United look to have signed the right man in Romelu Lukaku - a proven top-flight performer with an eye for goal.

"Of course we know very well Romelu, not just last season when he did very well," Darmian said, having praised fellow new boy Victor Lindelof.

"He scores goals and for us I think he is very important. Also, he is our target.

"He is good for us even when we are under pressure maybe to put a long ball and he can hold the ball and try to beat the pressure of the opponent."

Lukaku arrived for an initial £75million and is one of the many big-money moves that will surely make the Premier League more competitive than ever - there are currently six teams at 10/1 or lower with United 100/30 second favourites.

The playing field should be further levelled by the fact all traditional title challengers will be juggling continental exertions - something that cost United last term, stumbling home sixth in the league despite impressing in the cups.

"Of course when you play for Manchester United, you have to try to win a lot of trophies," Darmian added.

"Also because Manchester United is used to winning we try to do our best to win other trophies.

"Last season was good because we won three trophies and we want to continue like this.

"We will fight for the Premier League, of course for the Champions League and the other trophies we have this season.

"Manchester United is probably the biggest club in the world. Of course it means a lot for me to be here and pushes me to every time do my best."