Reds' praise for "incredible" Valencia

Antonio Valencia's Man of the Match return from injury was one of the positives to take from Manchester United's 1-1 draw with Arsenal on Saturday.

The Ecuadorian played the full game at Old Trafford after making a quicker-than-expected recovery from a fractured arm sustained in the EFL Cup win over Manchester City in October.

Playing at right-back, Valencia helped the Reds keep the Gunners quiet for large periods and paid tribute to United’s medical staff in an Instagram post after the game.

Jose Mourinho declared the 31-year-old played “amazingly well” on his return and his team-mates were quick to follow suit.

“Antonio has been incredible at right-back since he has moved to that position,” Carrick told MUTV. “He just looks so dangerous going forward but, at the same time, he is so solid defensively. 

“His positional play has improved a lot and I think that’s told. He has been our best player in a lot of our games this season. 

“To come back so quick from a broken bone speaks volumes for him and his attitude to get back and play.”

Juan Mata added: “He is a beast. He is a great player and very important for us, defending and going forward. He gives us a lot on the right flank.”