Jose: I Wanted Antonio At Madrid

Manchester United manager Jose Mourinho is not surprised by Antonio Valencia’s fine form this season, revealing he tried to sign the Ecuadorian during his time as Real Madrid head coach.

Although Valencia was operating largely as a winger for United during Jose's time in Spain, the boss saw our no.25 as the perfect candidate for the right-back position in the star-studded Real side he managed between 2010 and 2013. 

"I tried to sign Antonio a number of years ago, when I was at Madrid," Mourinho told MUTV. "Even though he was not playing right-back at the time, I thought he could be phenomenal in that position. As it was, United told me 'no chance!'"

The Portuguese's words ring true when attributed to Valencia's form in the current campaign. Either side of the fractured arm that kept him out for three games recently, the 31-year-old has produced a number of powerful, yet controlled displays at right-back. 

"I am not surprised by his form this season," Mourinho continued. "He has been clean of injuries, save for an operation on his arm which did not keep him out for long, and I have also been able to keep him fresh by resting him in certain Europa League games. 

"I think he is the right-back to give us the maximum we can in terms of our attacking football."