Manchester United's Matteo Darmian gets engaged to Francesca Cormanni as she says yes to 'man of her dreams' exactly eight years after they first met

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After working his way back into Jose Mourinho's plans, Matteo Darmian had another reason to smile after popping the question to Francesca Cormanni on Monday night.

The Manchester United defender's girlfriend took to Instagram to reveal her answer, posting a picture of herself sharing a kiss with her long-term partner and the message 'I said yes!' written on her hand.

The model, who is a qualified interior designer, also took the opportunity to show off a sizeable diamond engagement ring. 

Francesca Cormanni shows off her engagement ring as she shares a kiss with Matteo Darmian

The Manchester United man popped the question exactly eight years after meeting Francesca

The pair pose with the FA Cup after United's 2-1 victory against Crystal Palace last season

Alongside the picture, she wrote: 'Exactly eight years after our first meeting... I said YES to the man of my dreams'.

The happy couple moved to the north west in the summer of 2013 when Darmian sealed a £12.7million move from Serie A side Torino.

Miss Cormanni has supported her husband-to-be since his days at AC Milan - the club at which began his career - and has also followed him to Padova and Palmero.

She was delighted to see her man lift the FA Cup in May, posting a picture of herself and the defender with the trophy, along with the hashtag '#facupwinners2016'.

Darmian and his bride-to-be enjoyed a summer break with friends before the start of this term

The happy couple now have a weddding to arange after spending the last eight years together

Darmian tussles with Tottenham's Moussa Sissoko during his side's 1-0 win on Sunday

Darmian will be hoping he doesn't have to move his new fiancee again after forcing his way back into United's starting XI over the last month-and-a-half.

The Italy international has started each of the last six Premier League games after failing to make a top-flight appearance under Mourinho before then.

The Red Devils, who are unbeaten since Darmian returned to the team, will be hoping to build on Sunday's 1-0 victory over Tottenham by picking up three points at Crystal Palace on Wednesday night.