Manchester United's Matteo Darmian plays down exit talk

Manchester United defender Matteo Darmian has claimed that he "laughed off" reports linking him with a move away from Old Trafford in the January transfer window.

The Italy international joined Man United from Torino last summer and impressed with his performances in the first couple of months.

The 26-year-old has struggled with injury in the second part of the campaign, however, and also now faces strong competition from Guillermo Varela for the right-back spot in Louis van Gaal's first XI.

Darmian, however, has firmly denied suggestions that he is currently unhappy with life in England.

"I'm happy here [in Manchester]," he told Sky Sport Italia. "I have no reason to think about the transfer market.

"When I got the call and an offer from Manchester United I did not have to think twice. They are one of the most important clubs in the world, in terms of history and everything else to do with football.

"I started off well, thanks to everyone at the club I have enjoyed every minute here. When there was talk of moving in January I laughed it off as I'm very happy here."

Darmian is in the Man United squad for Thursday's Europa League last-16 second leg against Liverpool.