According to a recent report by the Times, Manchester United right-back, Antonio Valencia is ready to make a move away from the red half of Manchester when the transfer window reopens next month. The same source has also stated that the veteran defender doesn’t think that he can win back the confidence of United boss Jose Mourinho and is ready to move in search of a fresh challenge away from England.
The 33-year-old is currently the third-choice right-back for the Red Devils after he fell behind the likes of Diogo Dalot and Matteo Darmian in the Old Trafford pecking order. Mourinho has been forced to use him sporadically this season as Valencia has suffered a series of severe injuries over the past year which has considerably slowed him down. He has looked average at best during his time on the pitch, so United won’t have any trouble coping with his potential departure.
A move away from Manchester could help the Ecuadorian international reignite his career at a new destination. Hence, Valencia should do everything in his power to end his Old Trafford nightmare by making a switch to another club during the January transfer window.
At 33, he is currently in the twilight years of his football career so he needs to move to a club where he will receive regular first-team opportunities next year.
The Nueva-Loja born player has been a loyal soldier for Man United since completing his switch from Wigan Athletic in the summer of 2009. During his nine-year spell at Old Trafford, Valencia had made 337 appearances for the Red Devils, scoring 25 goals while providing 62 assists in all competitions.
He has also won the Premier League twice under Sir Alex Ferguson’s stewardship, so the 33-year-old would have some fond memories to look back on from his time in England.
Man United are currently preparing for their trip to Liverpool on Sunday and Valencia is in line to start at right-back if both Dalot and Darmian fails to recover in time for this game. Hence, there are still a few more chances for Valencia to prove his worth to Mourinho but it seems highly likely that he will leave in January as it would be beneficial for both the club and the player.
