Valencia making big impact for Manchester United, says Carrick

While Manchester United manager Jose Mourinho has been openly critical of some of his players in recent weeks, midfielder Michael Carrick believes team-mate Antonio Valencia is going from strength to strength.

When the Ecuadorian made a £16million move from Wigan Athletic in June 2009 he was seen as an out-and-out winger – and a rather underwhelming replacement for a Real Madrid-bound Cristiano Ronaldo.

But the versatile Valencia has been predominately deployed at right-back in recent times, making his tenth Premier League start of the season in Saturday’s 1-1 draw with Arsenal having fully recovered from a broken arm.

And Carrick is impressed with how the 31-year-old has embraced his change of role.

(Matthew Peters/Man Utd via Getty Images)

Carrick said: “Antonio has been incredible at right-back since he has moved to that position.

“He just looks so dangerous going forward but, at the same time, he is so solid defensively.

“His positional play has improved a lot and I think that’s told.

“He has been our best player in a lot of our games this season.

“To come back so quick from a broken bone speaks volumes for him and his attitude to get back and play.”