Manchester United news: Matteo Darmian ready to fight for Old Trafford future amid Roma speculation

The Italian full-back has been linked with a move to Roma in recent weeks but wants to stay

(Getty)

Matteo Darmian says he is prepared to fight for his place in the Manchester United starting line-up despite Jose Mourinho’s arrival casting his Old Trafford future in doubt.

The Italian full-back was linked with a move to Roma before making his first pre-season appearance of the summer during the 5-2 friendly success against Galatasaray last weekend.

Despite reports suggesting he has fallen down the pecking order since Mourinho's appointment, Darmian, 26, told ManUtd.com: “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.”

Meanwhile, Bastian Schweinsteiger has delivered a message to his fans amid reports that he is being forced out of the club, thanking them for their support and saying he hopes to see them “soon” ahead of the new season.

The German is one of the players who have been told they can leave as United look for extra revenue to finance the world-record £100m transfer of Paul Pogba from Juventus, prompting his brother to post “no respect” on social media this week.

Schweinsteiger, 32, announced his retirement from international football last month and had hoped to focus solely on his Old Trafford career as Mourinho prepares for his first season in charge since replacing predecessor Louis van Gaal in May.

Wearing United’s official training kit, Schweinsteiger said on a video posted to Twitter: “Hi guys, thank you very much for the birthday wishes and the positive comments I received about the national team career, I feel very honoured. I hope we're going to see each other soon. Bye.”