- Man Utd set to receive significant fitness boost with key return
- Mourinho will be delighted to welcome stalwart back into the mix
- Ashley Young forced to display further versatility in his absence in recent weeks
- READ MORE: Real Madrid see off Manchester United to close sensational transfers for £297million duo
Antonio Valencia has been one of Man Utd’s most consistent performers for some time, and so his recent absence has hurt the Red Devils.
The 32-year-old has been sidelined by a hamstring strain, forcing him to miss the last four Premier League games as well as cup outings.
Prior to that, he’d made 21 appearances in all competitions as an almost ever-present, and so naturally taking him out of the side would have caused disruption for Jose Mourinho.
According to The Times though, the Ecuadorian veteran has now returned to full training and could be closing in on a return to the pitch for the first time since December 17.
While Ashley Young has continued to prove why he’s such a valued member of the Man Utd squad having filled in at right back during Valencia’s spell on the sidelines, it’s fair to say that his comeback will be a huge boost.
With his defensive solidity coupled with an attacking threat down the right flank, it does make a huge difference for United, while Young could yet find himself staying in the team if Luke Shaw isn’t able to keep his place on the opposite flank.
The 22-year-old has forced his way back into the side in recent weeks, but prior to that Young was doing a commendable job providing cover. Now the utility man could find himself on the bench in the coming weeks with Mourinho going with his more natural full-back options.