Mourinho: Red Devils’ Valencia world’s best right-back

It wasn’t even the position in which he started his Manchester United career but, in Antonio Valencia, Jose Mourinho believes he boasts the best right back in the world.

The Ecuadorian has quickly become a major part in Mourinho’s plans since the manager joined in the summer, making 23 starts and also earning the United Player of the Month award, in August.

And with 271 United appearances now to his name, Valencia has signed on at Old Trafford until 2018, looking to add to the six trophies he has already lifted.

But that’s something he’s set to do in a deeper-lying role than which he started his Red Devils career, initially a winger having signed from Wigan Athletic in 2009.

(Photo by Richard Heathcote/Getty Images)

But despite his change in mentality, it’s a switch which has seemingly fitted like a glove for the 31-year-old – certainly in the opinion of his United manager.

“I don’t think it is a reward, I don’t see it in this perspective,” said Mourinho.

“I just think he is the best right-back you can have. There is no better right-back in football. It is just for us to keep the best. I don’t think it [the contract] is a reward.

“It is a privilege for us to have such a good player and such a good man.

“Antonio is playing better than ever, I think. This season he is playing magnificently.”