Go For It Mourinho: 2 Back Up Options Manchester United Should Consider For Antonio Valencia

One of the biggest stories in the Red Devil community is the great transition the experienced midfielder Antonio Valencia has made from winger to right back, providing great help in the defensive end without declining his constant threat in the rival box with his prolific crosses and projections.

However, the Ecuadorian is already 31 years old and even if it looks like he’s turning the clock backward, there’s a real concern about who’ll fill his shoes whenever he’s not available or just needs some rest.

It is no secret that Matteo Darmian doesn’t convince Jose Mourinho, and there have been some reports that the Italian defender will be heading back to his homeland in January to play for Internazionale on loan, given the lack of playing time and poor relationship with ‘the special one’.

So, given the facts it’s inevitable to wonder what will the red devils do with their lack of depth in the right back position, so we’ll take a look at two right-backs that we think Manchester United should consider as a backup option for Antonio Valencia.

Martin Kelly

Kelly is currently in the last year of his deal with Crystal Palace, and his lack of minutes under Alan Pardew suggest that the talented right back who was once considered one of the best prospects in the UK will be looking for a new team.

Martin Kelly is only 26 years old, so he still has a lot to offer on the pitch, and even if he hasn’t made a single appearance so far in this year’s Premier League, he has the kind of experience you’ll look in a backup.

Besides, even if the Glazers aren’t afraid of breaking the market with some big names, Martin Kelly can be a really cheap option for a role player.

 

Cuco Martina

The Curacao native is also in the last year of his deal with Southampton, and even if he was brought to the UK from FC Twente to be one of the starters, he hasn’t been able to hold on to a spot with the Saints, making only 23 appearances so far.

Martina has great speed and a can shoot from long range, but he has some deficiencies in the defensive side of the ball. However, there’s a lot of room for improvement yet for the young guy, who just turned 27 last September.

Some other interesting choices for Mourinho’s side could be Joao Cancelo, who is reportedly looking for a new deal away from his current club.