Man United manager Jose Mourinho has suggested the club needs to get used to right-wing back Antonio Valencia being injured.
The Ecuadorian, who is 32 and is the club’s longest-playing servant still at the club, was out for spells last season with an injury.
The player, who has been transformed during his tenure at Old Trafford from a speedy winger to one of the best full-backs in the Premier League, limped off after having played just minutes in United’s pre-season friendly with San Jose on Sunday.
And Mourinho believes everyone involved with the club need to get used to the idea of Valencia being injured, after the 32-year-old suffered a calf injury and was taken off as a precaution, in what looks to be a flare up of previously debilitating problem.
“He’s injured,” Mourinho said, according to the Times.
“We need to get used to it. Last season he was already in this kind of situation and probably this season we’re going to have more of that.”
Valencia made 31 appearances in the Premier League for the Red Devils last season, however, his fresh injury may give new-signing Diogo Dalot the chance to stake an early claim for the right-back slot.
United’s other senior right-back, Matteo Darmian, looks set to leave, with Juventus and Napoli interested.
Man U next take on AC Milan in the International Champions Cup on July 26 at the Rose Bowl.
Squakwa Football
