Red Devils legend: I hope this Manchester United ace rediscovers his form

Denis Irwin believes Matteo Darmian has gone slightly off the boil

DENIS IRWIN believes Matteo Darmian is beginning to "go off the boil a little bit."

 

The Italian joined the Red Devils in the summer, signing from Serie A side Torino on a four-year contract.

Darmian started the season brightly with plenty of people praising the 25-year-old's performances.

But lately Darmian has found himself starting on the bench with Ashley Young featuring at right-back.

And Irwin believes he faces tough competition from the England international for a starting place.

 

"Darmian came in and started fantastically well and I think when you get used to the Premier League you sometimes go off the boil," Irwin told the Manchester Evening News.

"As Memphis Depay has as well, you go off the boil a little bit. But they'll come back strong.

"Darmian's got competition because Ashley's done unbelievably well there.

"I don't know how Ashley [Young] sees himself, whether he's a winger or just glad to play.

"But he made one recovery tackle at Palace recently when he came on which was unbelievable and he has played very, very well."

 

Antonio Valencia is ruled out for several months with an ankle injury

United were dealt a blow earlier this month with the news that Antonio Valenica is likely to be out for five months with an ankle injury.

And Irwin believes Darmian could now have the chance to impress Louis van Gaal once more.

"And it can't be easy, they're both wingers - Valencia and Young - to just slot in there, but with Valencia getting injured and Darmian has had a rest, so you never know, it's down to the manager.

"But sometimes a break does you good, you see it's a different culture, a different climate, a different pace of football, so I'm sure Darmian will be in there challenging for a position again."