How Does Antonio Valencia Want To Improve?

Consistent is a word that perfectly describes Antonio Valencia's performances on the pitch, but the experienced Manchester United right-back humbly accepts there is always room for improvement in his game. This season, as the Ecuadorian recently explained to Inside United, our South American powerhouse plans to work harder on using his weaker left foot.

The 31-year-old spoke to our monthly magazine during the pre-season tour of America for an in-depth interview in the September edition, which is still available to order online.

After discussing the club’s ambition to win the Premier League title under Jose Mourinho, the honour he feels when wearing the captain’s armband and his early impressions of Romelu Lukaku, Valencia spoke honestly about his own plans to develop throughout his ninth season with the Reds.

“There is always something to improve on and, this season, I will try to be better with my left foot,” Antonio explained. “I will shoot more, try to do more with it and I hope, this year, I can achieve this. Overall, I just wish to be better and, God willing, things will go the right way for me and for the team.”

The UEFA Champions League is also a trophy that is on Valencia’s radar this season, now that United are back in the elite competition following last campaign’s Europa League success. As you may have already read, the Reds have been drawn in Group A alongside CSKA Moscow, Benfica and FC Basel.

While nobody at United is getting ahead of themselves, the defender hopes to go a long way in Europe this season. “There is an excitement about being back in the competition,” he told us.

“I miss the Champions League song and the timing of the game, plus the whole environment and what it is like to play a Champions League match. We are back and we are hoping to do a good job.

"We hope we can win it. That is the objective. When you play in an important competition like that, you just want to win. Right now, we are taking it step by step, phase by phase. Hopefully we can achieve that.”