Friday 20 January 2017 16:50, UK
Jose Mourinho insists Manchester United have the best right-back available in Antonio Valencia.
Valencia, who has become a mainstay in the United side as a full-back under Mourinho despite signing as a winger, will remain at Old Trafford for at least another year after the club opted to extend his current contract until June 2018.
The 31-year-old has made 23 appearances under Mourinho this season, and the Manchester United boss has explained why it was imperative the club secured Valencia's services for another 12 months.
"I don't think it is a reward, I don't see it in this perspective," Mourinho told MUTV. "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.
"It is a privilege for us to have such a good player and such a good man."
In November, Mourinho admitted he has long been an admirer of Valencia, having tried to sign the player when he was in charge of Real Madrid.
Although Valencia was not playing at right-back at the time, Mourinho insisted he believed he could be a "phenomenon" in the position, and the current United boss' opinion has not changed.
"He was not playing at right-back," Mourinho explained. "Yes, I wanted him to play at right-back. 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."
