Matteo Darmian’s name has been added to Manchester United’s long list of injured full backs. During the game against Southampton, which ended in a 0-1 defeat to the Saints at Old Trafford thanks to Charlie Austin’s debut goal. The Italian had a nasty clash of heads with Shane Long and was spitting blood as the physios rushed to his aid.  He was then taken off the pitch and replaced by academy graduate Paddy McNair.

Darmian was then rushed to the hospital for X-Rays with fears that he has a broken rib and a punctured lung. Later he returned to Old Trafford to undergo further tests by club doctor Steve McNally.

The Italian’s injury now means that United go into their next game against Derby in the F.A Cup with no fit senior full back among their ranks. Injuries to Antonio Valencia, Luke Shaw, Marcos Rojo, Ashley Young and now Matteo Darmian means United are short in the full back positions. Cameron Borthwick-Jackson and Paddy McNair have been thrust into the first team as a result of United’s ever growing injury list.

Van Gaal does not like buying in January but will now be forced to reconsider and delve into the transfer market this week for a proper full-back.

On Darmian’s injury, United manager Louis van Gaal said

“He was spitting blood on the pitch so he has already gone to the hospital and we have to wait and see what happens. That is the fifth full-back who has been injured.

“Probably there is something wrong in one rib and also the chest but we have to wait and see. It was not a nice view for the players to see that. Darmain is bad because he is now in the Hospital.”

Van Gaal added that he felt Darmian’s injury caused United to lose momentum.

“At half-time I changed Fellaini and then I saw the first 15 minutes were better and the fans were behind the team and cheering. But we have to stick together in this period because we have a lot of injuries.”