Friday 25 November 2016 10:25, UK
Manchester United boss Jose Mourinho has revealed he tried to sign Antonio Valencia during his time as Real Madrid coach.
The 31-year-old has impressed at right-back for United this season - the position Mourinho says he always believed would get the best out of the Ecuadorian - but could have moved to Madrid had United entertained Mourinho's enquiry.
"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!'
"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."
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