5 players who could leave Manchester United this summer

#4 Matteo Darmian

Darmian may be on his way as well

Similar to Blind, the Italian international was also a product of Louis Van Gaal's transfer philosophy.

Despite having the utility of being able to play on either side of a defensive back four, as well as having experience in a back 5 system with Italy, Darmian has played only 354 minutes in the league and 557 minutes across all competitions and has failed to complete a successful cross in his entire league campaign.

Mourinho typically prefers a back four system comprised of a forward-pushing fullback and a defensively solid one - Ivanovic and Azpelicueta, Marcelo and Arbeloa, Maicon and Zanetti, etc. Darmian falls into the latter category. However, also similarly to Blind, Darmian's diminutive physique left him vulnerable to both pacey wingers and tall and sturdy strikers drifting out to the wing to open channels to run into.

Once again, the sharp contrast in Mourinho's organizational preference leaves a Van Gaal defensive signing left out of place. United have reportedly told Darmian he is free to pursue other options this summer.

With aging and converted wingers such as Antonio Valencia and Ashley Young lining the sides of United's back four, it is logical to expect a summer spending spree with emphasis on getting fullbacks. That, alongside the current lack of opportunities available, makes a summer exit for Darmian a possibility.