Manchester United aren’t quite ‘on fire’ but Louis van Gaal does finally appear to be finding a winning formula. If he continues apace then he will feel that he is heading in the right direction and is firmly in control of Manchester United come the summer, after a baptism of fire to The Premier League.
But despite this excellent recent surge, Manchester Untied still have some big problems to solve this summer – perhaps chief amongst them is the right back spot.
Antonio Valencia is a popular figure in the dressing room and amongst the Manchester United faithful. And he ticks several important boxes in his new role at right back. He’s strong, athletic and gets up and down the wing to decent effect – a solid and selfless team player.
But, during the darkest days at Manchester United over the last couple of years, the defence has looked as if the next mistake is just around the corner. Daley Blind has come into the defence and been exceptional. And Jones and Smalling have ironed a lot of the mistakes out of their game of late.
But we do worry about Valencia. His technique, which was never his forte, seems to have got worse year on year and he regularly makes a hash of things when under pressure. The back pass against Arsenal was the nadir. But, even against Villa he got himself into some self-made trouble. Instead of releasing the ball he too often holds onto it and can get caught out when pressed.
He’s been a 6/10 player for Manchester United this season and done all that Louis has asked of him. But we feel that, despite his versatility and virtues as a utility player, that his days as a regular starter probably won’t extend beyond this season.
Manchester United fans: does Valencia fill you with confidence?
Aliyu Zakariya
Apr 8, 2015 at 1:34 pm
While he has bin fantastic, cuz currently his the best answer @ right bak unless Van Gal come up wit alternative in d summer transfer.