Manchester United’s ideal XI following the January window

Antonio Valencia

There were concerns about United’s right-back options at the start of the season, but Antonio Valencia has banished those worries after a fine campaign thus far.

The Ecuadorian international signed for the Red Devils back in 2009 after excelling at Wigan as a winger, but he has seen his opportunities in that position slowly reduce over time, and has thus been pushed back into the right-back area.

However, the 31-year-old has been excellent as a defender this season for United, and has regularly been one of their highest rated performers over the course of the campaign.

Valencia’s ability to get up and down the flank has never been in doubt, yet his contributions in both penalty areas have improved this season, and he looks set to remain the number one choice at Old Trafford for the remainder of the campaign.