The Ecuadorian has emerged as one of the first names on the team-sheet under Mourinho at Old Trafford, despite having only been converted into a full-back in 2015.
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Valencia recently signed a new deal at Old Trafford to take him through to 2018 and his manager does not think there is a better right-sided defender in the game.
When asked if Valencia’s form was the reason for his new deal, Mourinho told MUTV: “I don’t think it is a reward, I don’t see it in this perspective. I just think he is the best right-back you can have.
“There is no better right-back in football. It is just for us to keep the best. I don’t think it is a reward. It is a privilege for us to have such a good player and such a good man.”
Mourinho added: “He was not playing at right-back [at the time Mourinho wanted him at Madrid]. Yes, I wanted him to play at right-back.
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“But Manchester United was intelligent and strong, and immediately stopped any feeling about any possibility.
“Antonio is playing better than ever, I think. This season he is playing magnificently.”
Valencia has made 23 starts in all competitions for United in the 2016-17 campaign, with the 31-year-old set to feature as Mourinho’s men face Stoke City on Saturday.
