Darmian Ready For Anfield Baptism

Matteo Darmian is feeling settled at Manchester United as he looks forward to his first taste of Anfield in Sunday's blockbuster encounter with Liverpool.

The full-back is set to become only the second Italian to represent the Reds in the Barclays Premier League at the Merseyside ground after the first, Massimo Taibi, won the Man of the Match award in a 3-2 win on his debut in 1999.

As he continues to adapt to the rigours of English football, Darmian was naturally upset to see Newcastle United snatch a late equaliser in the 3-3 draw on Tuesday night.

"We're disappointed because we led 2-0 and, after that, we had chances to close the game," Darmian told ManUtd.com. "But this is football and sometimes in 90 minutes, even in the last minute, they can score so now we are talking about a draw and not a win.

"It's a big match against Liverpool this weekend. We'll try to be ready for that game and now we have to focus on this challenge and that's all - obviously, we want to win."

Wayne Rooney scored twice for the Reds, one of them a classic strike from outside the box, and he goes into the Anfield clash with four goals in his last three games.

"He is a great striker and the goals speak for him," added Darmian. "I hope it continues like this."

In a separate interview with MUTV, the 26-year-old defender admitted he was determined to enjoy a great year in 2016.

"I’m good and happy to stay here at a big club like Manchester United," he declared. "I’m happy and I want to continue.

"It’s been a big season for me and hopefully 2016 will be similar for me. Last summer, I signed for a big club in United and, next summer, the European Championship is a big chance for me where we will fight to win it with Italy."