Matteo Darmian enjoyed a hugely impressive Premier League debut during Manchester United’s opening day victory over Tottenham Hotspur on Saturday.
The Italian was arguably Man United’s best player on the day and seemed comfortable despite it being his first competitive appearance in English football.
Darmian started at right-back behind Juan Mata and made a big impact at both ends of the field. The 25-year-old gave United an extra attacking option going forward and managed to hold off a number of Spurs’ attacks.
United fans and pundits were delighted with Darmian’s first Premier League display of the season:
Nervy ending but we were much better in the second half than in the first. Fantastic debut for Darmian.
— Scott Patterson (@R_o_M) August 8, 2015
Darmian looks like fantastic business.
— United Religion (@Unitedology) August 8, 2015
Couldn't understand the Valencia for Darmian
But hey! I am sitting in my sofa. Van Gaal on the bench.
There is a reason for that 😄
— Jan Aage Fjortoft 🏳️🌈 🇳🇴 (@JanAageFjortoft) August 8, 2015
Darmian MOTM for United, Smalling impressive. Poor performance, Spurs crap too. Romero dodgy kicking but decent save. Dull game. The End.
— Alex Shaw (@AlexShawESPN) August 8, 2015
Darmian was the best player on the pitch today. Special player really, always raved about him. Wanted him at Barça but Vidal more suited.
— . (@AydanAzzar) August 8, 2015
Class debut from our new right-back, Darmian.
85% pass accuracy
5 clearances
3 tackles won
1 block100% Quality. pic.twitter.com/B0Yq8h6NiD
— SirAlexWay (@SirAlexWay) August 8, 2015
Darmian was very good
— Vik (@IconicNumber7) August 8, 2015
Darmian really was the bright spark in an otherwise poor performance from United against Spurs. The former Torino man proved his worth and gave the club’s supporters a lot to look forward to in the season ahead.
Ever since Gary Neville left, United haven’t had a dependable, consistent right-back they can rely on. Rafael was superb for one season but injuries stopped him from maintaining that sort of level but in Darmian we could finally have turned a corner.