Manchester United’s Right Back Conundrum
Manchester United’s Antonio Valencia seems to have played his way into Jose Mourinho’s plans for the club after impressing during the exciting win over Galatasaray, with three assists and a MOTM performance.
With many considering the soon-to-be 31 year old’s career as having been on a downward spiral for a while now, it appears that Valencia has finally reinvented himself as an accomplished right back and may yet have a few seasons left in him after all.
During Sir Alex Ferguson’s final season he began to provide cover for the only other right back at the club, Rafael Da Silva, who had the position locked down- only ever not playing when injured. Valencia being originally a winger, he has blistering pace, strength, and a seemingly telepathic bond with Rooney- the two players capable of finding each other consistently to devastating effect.
However, after a dip in form following injury, and with age catching up, Valencia was dropped deeper into the right back role, deemed as sufficient cover rather than a guaranteed starter. Everyone knows what he brings attacking wise, but the concern was more about his positional sense while defending. This is something that is to be expected of a winger converted to right back, who has previously played for his country as an attacking midfielder.
Dropping back positionally appeared to drop his career back too, as he struggled to find game time consistently and failed to impress- not only defensively but in attack too. Contrast this with his peak season, 2011/2012, when he provided 13 assists and 4 goals in the Premier League alone, numbers anyone should be proud of.
Is it possible after his performance against Galatasaray that we might see him hit similar numbers, and if so, does this spell the end of Darmian’s Manchester United career?
Valencia is efficient in his own way, hardly ever losing possession. His performance against Galatasaray suggests he’s full of confidence, as he would not only take on his opposing man but also, more importantly, beat him. Can Darmian boast the same skills? Having only ever played along the back four during his career it’s no surprise that he doesn’t display Valencia’s abilities as as a natural winger.
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It now seems unlikely that Valencia will ever play as a winger again for Manchester United, as Lingard, Mkhitaryan and possibly even Young provide substantial competition for the same spot. With only one other right back at the club it makes sense that he’ll compete for a position in the back four this season. That’s unless the Fabinho rumours are true, although they may spell trouble for Darmian rather than Valencia.
It’s unlikely that Mourinho would sell an experienced footballer who knows what it’s all about playing for United, and who has put in impressive performances so far for the incoming boss. A New manager means new chances to impress, and it certainly seems as if Valencia is taking these opportunities in his stride.
A New manager means new chances to impress
Having featured for Italy and only recently returned to Manchester, Darmian hasn’t done the same just yet. Mourinho may also be concerned with the Italian’s apparent lack of comfort in the Premier League. While he started last season incredibly well, he then tapered off, only to be replaced by none other than Valencia.
Everything is early days still but the signs certainly seem to be pointing in Valencia’s favour and if the Fabinho rumours have any truth in them then it appears that Darmian should be the one who’s worried.