Valencia: I'll Play Anywhere

Antonio Valencia's most effective work for Reds may be done on the wing, but he's more than willing to play at right-back for the good of the team.

The Ecuadorian has been employed in defence several times already this season to cover for injuries, most recently in last weekend's 2-0 home win over Norwich.

And besides the lapse that almost allowed Anthony Pilkington to open the scoring for the Canaries, Valencia has performed admirably in his temporary role, combining defensive strength and speed with a willingness to get forward and support the forwards.

"I’ve played at right-back a few times and I’ve enjoyed the position," he told United's official Spanish website. "I respect regular players in that position as they pick up quite a few knocks.

"But I have also played back on the wing this season and I’m happy anywhere on the field. I hope to be ready and to play well when the boss calls me."

While the long-term plan is not for Valencia to stay at full-back, Sir Alex says he "wouldn't have any concerns" about fielding the 26-year-old there again.

"There's a natural instinct in him to help out and defend," the Reds boss told Inside United. "Of course, we know all about Antonio's qualities as an attacker, but he's so quick and so powerful that he's also suited to a full-back role.

"He's incredibly difficult to beat if you're trying to get around him. We also see him as an option in the centre of midfield. He's very disciplined and able to carry out any instruction we give him."

The good form of Ashley Young and Nani at the start of the campaign has assuaged any concerns Sir Alex may have had about taking Valencia off the wing.

Now fully recovered from the injury that kept him out at the start of the season, Antonio is just happy to be playing and believes the contest for wide places can only be a positive for United.

"It's always important to have a healthy competition within the team and this is the situation now, given all the wingers we have at United," Valencia added.

"It’s very important and a real boost for me to be back in the team. Every time I play for United it’s wonderful.

"My personal goals this season are to win the Premier League and Champions League, and simply to play and bring joy to the fans."