ANTONIO VALENCIA MIGHT MISS MANCHESTER DERBY

Manchester United are leaving no stone unturned in their quest for the Premier League title this term under Portuguese Manager Jose Mourinho.

Valencia joined Old Trafford back in 2009 as a right winger to serve as replacement following reports that star player Cristiano Ronaldo was about to exit the side.

His pace and deliveries into the box made a regular at first, but as his performance dropped he lost his starting shirt. In the new season, he has featured as a right-back, but has excelled in the position thus far.

His transition seems not to be a one-day affair as he has played in right-back role under Sir Alex Ferguson, filling for Brazilian player Rafael Da Silva in the 11/12 season. He played in the position about five times, and didn’t do too badly. His one-footing made him predictable in the right-wing role, and his right-back role was gone as Da Silva returned and stayed injury-free.

After Ferguson’s exit, David Moyes didn’t impress in right-back role, though he played in it as substitute. Under Louis van Gaal, he returned to the role as his right-wing contribution was below par. In the 2014/15 season, he built a reputation as the first choice right-back. His injuries limited him from elite performance, but he continued. He seemed to have found a renewed confidence under Mourinho.

He was supposed to face a big test as Man United host City in a widely awaited Manchester derby. However, reports say he might not be in action, and Matteo Darmian might be his replacement. Darmian would have a lot of pressure to perform in the game, as everyone would want a win. But the game might make many appreciate Valencia upon return if Damian doesn’t turn up.