Valencia: Man Utd won’t sacrifice attacking principles

Jose Mourinho has bemoaned Manchester United’s inability to turn performances into points – but Antonio Valencia says style is just as important as substance at Old Trafford.

The Premier League’s top four continues to fade in the distance for United, who sit nine points off fourth-placed Manchester City following their 1-1 draw with Everton last weekend.

 (Photo by Clive Brunskill/Getty Images)

Indeed, quite remarkably for a club of their stature, they have won just once in their last eight Premier League games.

But right-back Valencia offers no apologies for his side’s more adventurous style of play this season and is adamant positive results will soon follow.

“I think we’ve always had a duty as Manchester United players in whatever game we’re playing in,” said Valencia, whose side entertain Tottenham on Sunday afternoon.

“It’s not only a duty to win trophies and titles but also to play well with entertaining football.

“That’s what we fight hard to do. We play hard and we try to play our absolute best in an entertaining manner so the fans leave the stadium and go home happy with a good result after seeing some good football.

“Any game in the English Premier League is entertaining and that’s always our aim. What we have in our mindset and in our thoughts when we’re going into a game is that we try to win, get the three points, and play well at the same time.

“I’ll repeat: I think that’s what we’ve been doing in these last few games. I think we have been entertaining the fans and producing some good football.

“And again it’s all about continuing with that and trying to get the three points on Sunday.”