Darmian Out To Impress Mourinho

Matteo Darmian accepts competition for places is the norm at clubs like Manchester United, as he bids to regain peak fitness and impress manager Jose Mourinho.

The Italy international enjoyed his first outing under the new boss when coming on as a second-half substitute during Saturday night's 5-2 victory over Galatasaray at Ullevi Stadium in Sweden. He is now working hard to be ready for the start of the much-anticipated 2016/17 season.

"The game was important to play because I'd worked for just one week," Darmian told ManUtd.com in Gothenburg. "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."

Darmian came on at left-back and replaced Luke Shaw, with the flexible Ashley Young reverting to the right side of defence after Antonio Valencia also made way.

"I'm a right-back but I can also play left-back," Matteo told us, when quizzed on his versatility. "If the manager needs me on the left, I'll play on the left but, otherwise, I play on the right."

Zlatan Ibrahimovic got everybody talking with his fourth-minute goal in his native Sweden and Darmian explained the Scandinavian has already made his mark in the dressing room.

"He's a good player," the Italian defender added. "He can help us to win because he's a great player but he also has a great mentality. He wants always to win and it's fantastic."