2016-2017 Season Performance Review: Matteo Darmian

20170413 – Brussels , Belgium / Uefa EL : Rsc Anderlecht vs Manchester United / ‘nMatteo DARMIAN’nFootball Uefa Europa League 2016 – 2017 Quarter-Final 1st leg / Constant Vanden Stock stadium /’n© Vincent Van Doornick / Isosport /

Pre-Season

Matteo Darmian did not feature in the friendlies against Wigan and Borussia Dortmund. He did feature for a small amount of time in the match against Galatasaray. He did not make the squad in the Community Shield against Leicester City and took a while to impress Jose Mourinho.

Start of the Season

The Italian only played in the first couple of Europa League games at the start of the season and did not make into a Premier League match until the match against Burnley. After these performances, Darmian impressed Mourinho as far as his defending ability. The Portuguese manager loves old school defenders, which is what Darmian exactly is.

STOCKHOLM, SWEDEN – MAY 24: Matteo Darmian of Manchester United kisses the trophy during the UEFA Europa League Final match between Ajax and Manchester United at Friends Arena on May 24, 2017 in Stockholm, Sweden. (Photo by Ian MacNicol/Getty Images) /

Mid-Season

At the start of the year, Darmian chipped in an assist in the EFL Cup match against Hull City. He continued to rotate with Daley Blind in this part of the season and remained an integral part of the United lineup. He is not an attacker by trade but was a huge contributor to the many clean sheets that the United back line kept.

End of the Season

It became apparent that Darmian was Mourinho’s number one left back. The Italian defender put in some impressive performances at the end of the year and earned himself a start in the Europa League final. He was impressive and looks like he will be an integral part of the United squad next season.

Overall Stats

Darmian featured 29 times for the Red Devils and did not score any goals or provide any assists. Mourinho was a big fan of his and will most likely look to Darmian next season early and often.

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