Man Utd wrap up signing of Torino defender Matteo Darmian

Red Devils boss Van Gaal added: “Matteo is a right-sided full back with the versatility of also being able to play on the left. He is a strong defender and has the ability to go forward in the attacking positions, which is a fantastic attribute to have and much needed in the fast rhythm of the Premier League.

“Matteo will be a great addition to the team. I am delighted to welcome Matteo to the club and look forward to working with him in the coming days.”

As the Old Trafford outfit prepare to compete on four fronts, with their return to the Champions League imminent, the Northwest giants are keen to bolster their ranks, and had previously been linked with right backs such as Dani Alves, Nathaniel Clyne and Seamus Coleman. Darmian is a coup nonetheless, as Bayern Munich were also linked with buying him.

His addition, the second this summer so far following highly-rated Netherlands winger Memphis Depay’s arrival, should provide cover in numerous positions should the Red Devils run out of time to recruit in other positions or suffer another injury-riddled term.

Azzurri international Darmian, who has 13 caps for his country, also previously played for Padova and Palermo before joining the Bull in 2011, and went on to make 150 appearances for the Turin team as one of their most consistent performers.

Darmian contributed five goals and four assists across all competitions last campaign from his various roles, including a crucial Turin derby strike against Juventus, and can add further continental experience to United, having played for Torino in the Europa League.