UNITED FRONT!
Valencia hails Jose
ANTONIO VALENCIA says Jose Mourinho has restored Manchester United’s titlewinning mentality.
United have won all three games under their new manager this season, with Marcus Rashford’s late strike at Hull securing their latest three points.
The belief that had been lacking since Sir Alex Ferguson retired in 2013 is back in a United team that were no longer feared following the reigns of David Moyes and Louis van Gaal.
But versatile defender Valencia has revealed how the new manager is getting them back to their best.
He said: “He’s given a real boost of confidence to the side and that can be seen out there on the field.
“Everyone is feeling confident, everyone wants the ball and that’s a very good sign.
“Everyone is running hard, showing good movement and reading our moves and build-up play, and that’s important too.
“His advice is the same for all the team – always go out to win and always have the winning mentality of champions.
“We’ve scored a few goals already, so you can appreciate things are going ® well. We’re getting forward and creating lots of opportunities on goal.
“We’ve also brought in more quality players, which has improved us too.”
Valencia, 31, has been one of the most improved players at Old Trafford since Mourinho’s arrival.
The Ecuador star was a right winger when he joined United in 2009 from Wigan. But over the last few years he has developed into a right-back.
Aim
His crossing ability had become a bit of a running joke over the last couple of seasons. But this term his deliveries are much improved and Valencia believes it is down to having towering Zlatan Ibrahimovic to pick out. He said: “Now we have someone in the box we can aim for. “We know exactly who he is and that he’s made a great impression at whatever club he’s played at. “Now he’s started off on the right foot at United and we’re all here to help him when we can.” United are not keen on letting Marcos Rojo leave, despite renewed interest from La Liga sideValencia.