Manchester United star set to leave Old Trafford

[PHOTO: COURTESY]

Matteo Darmian is determined to leave Manchester United as quickly as possible – even though his exit could leave Jose Mourinho in the lurch.

Mourinho is short of right-backs for the start of the new season, with skipper Antonio Valencia and new signing Diogo Dalot both sidelined by injury.

Neither has a chance of being fit for United's Premier League opener at home to Leicester a fortnight today, with Darmian pencilled in to start at right-back.

Mourinho could switch central defender Victor Lindelof to right-back or play England World Cup star Ashley Young there if Darmian, 28, has left by then.

But Lindelof does not return to training until Monday following his World Cup exploits with Sweden, while Young remains on holiday after helping England to the semi-finals in Russia.

It means Darmian is likely to have to wait to seal his move back to his homeland of Italy, with Mourinho unlikely to let him go with so many restricted options at right-back.

Asked about leaving United, Darmian said: “Yes, that’s what I want, but we will see what happens because we don’t know.

[PHOTO: COURTESY]

“I want to play more regularly. Last season I didn’t play much - that’s my objective and my ambition.

“That’s why I spoke with the manager and also with the club about my future.

“We will see what happens. Honestly, I’m waiting. If I stay, I stay and I do what I did up until now.

“If I go, it's because the offer that another team makes will be good.

“To play for probably the best club in the world is a good thing and for me it’s an honour to play for United.

“But we have to take decisions in our life and this is my decision. Italy? It could be an option, yes, probably.”