Bologna take former Manchester United defender on trial

Manchester United’s relationship with Bologna has already produced one major transfer in recent years.

Joshua Zirkzee arrived from the Italian club in July 2024 after helping Bologna qualify for the Champions League and earning a place in Serie A’s Team of the Year.

His United career started perfectly with a debut winner against Fulham.

However, sustained goals have been harder to find.

Zirkzee scored seven times across all competitions in 2024/25 before managing only two Premier League goals across 36 appearances last season.

That return has left the Dutchman struggling to establish himself as United’s long-term answer in attack, particularly following Benjamin Sesko’s arrival.

Serie A, however, has frequently provided former United players with a second stage.

Paul Pogba rebuilt his reputation at Juventus after initially leaving Old Trafford, while Cristiano Ronaldo later dominated in Turin.

Romelu Lukaku, Alexis Sanchez, Henrikh Mkhitaryan and Chris Smalling are among the other high-profile United names to have continued their careers in Italy.

Now another familiar face could be about to return to Serie A after three months without a club.

Bologna hand former Manchester United star opportunity

Matteo Darmian is set to train with Bologna on an initial trial, according to Italian transfer journalist Gianluca Di Marzio.

The 36-year-old has been a free agent since leaving Inter Milan at the end of June.

Bologna are assessing him after an injury to Emil Holm left Raffaele Palladino short of options.

Darmian joined United from Torino for around £12.7 million in 2015 and immediately impressed, winning the club’s Player of the Month award that August.

He eventually made 92 appearances for United, scoring once, while winning the FA Cup and Europa League.

His only Premier League goal was memorable: a powerful volley from outside the box against Crystal Palace in April 2016.

The Italian later returned home with Parma before enjoying significant success at Inter, winning three Serie A titles and three Coppa Italia trophies.

Bologna will now assess his fitness before deciding whether another Serie A chapter should begin.