Fergie: We’ve Missed Valencia - Republik Of Mancunia: A Manchester United Blog

Antonio Valencia made a great impression during his first season at United, after signing from Wigan for £16m.

He had scored just 7 goals in 3 seasons at Wigan so critics questioned whether he was good enough for United. Valencia went on to score 8 goals and provide 9 assists in the league.

Valencia has been out of action since September and whilst Nani has done a great job to try and compensate for the absence, Sir Alex Ferguson has today recognised what an impact Valencia had last season.

“He was fantastic last season, absolutely brilliant,” said Ferguson. “He was a great signing, he really was. The great thing about him was he takes the ball with such great strength and balance. He can take the ball up to the other end of the pitch for you. We missed that pace and acceleration. Although Nani has done fantastic – I mean he’s been a revelation this season – we’ve missed that.”

Valencia was due to play for the Reserves against Blackpool this weekend but the pitch was deemed unfit. Some media sources have claimed he could be on the bench for our FA Cup game against Arsenal, although it is likely he will get a run out with the Reserves next Thursday before making his first team return.

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68 Comments

redrider March 11, 2011

No one's gonna remember that if everything is up in smoke? We need a big banner in space.

This was Earth, where Manchester United played. :-)

MG March 11, 2011

Space the final frontier

These are the voyages of the starship ROM boldly going where no one has ever gone before

;)

Costas March 11, 2011

We have to do it this season. Between Gerrard opening his legs like a whore last year and Carragher trying to take out Nani this season, it's pretty obvious how desperate they are to prevent 19 from happening. It's their last castle so to speak.

Speaking of Stevie Me, he will be out for a month. He will be back in time for the Arsenal-Pool game though. You never know. Van Persie might need someone to set up the 1st goal for him.

willierednut March 11, 2011

If it ends in 2012, there'll be no perch to speak of.

King Eric March 11, 2011

Not being horrible but prsonally I do NOT want to see Obertan start tomorrow, not in a big game like this. However our options are limited. Woould rather see Fabio out there. I just can't take to Gabriel, its harsh but my view I am afraid.

Rooney will probably play out on the right. Never works.

smartalex March 11, 2011

At Intergalactic Control they will always be in awe of Manchester United.

If we were playing 4-4-2 tomorrow, I'd use Obi and Fabio on the wings with Rooney and Hernandez up front. If it's 4-5-1/4-3-3, I don't know if Fabio is useful as a winger in that system.

I want us to play 4 - 4 - 2 tomorrow. I wanted Giggs (LW) and Rooney with Berbs, but chose Rooney (LW) and Hernandez up front. Keeping Giggs sharp for Marseilles, and available from the bench.

Van Der Sar
O'Shea Smalling Vidic Evra
Fletcher Carrick Scholes Rooney
Berbatov Chicharito

Surely the little pea has to start against Arsenal?

If we take it that SAF will pick his strongest team, then Hernandez should be retained as the highly effective impact sub. However, I struggle to expect SAF not to keep back Giggs or Scholes for Marseilles. I think Scholes has to start against Arsenal, as then he will know Sir Alex still considers him as 'best'.

Makes sense to keep Giggs and Scholes for the Marseille game. The tempo of European football, is less intense, to that of the premiership.

Perhaps I should add, that if Giggs is held over for Marseilles, Rooney starts on the left against Arsenal, creating an opening in the 4 - 4 - 2 for Hernandez.

It does make sense to keep both back, unless we consider this match as the most important of the season thus far. Consecutive losses to rivals and rot-stopping spring to mind.

indiandevil March 11, 2011

Have a look at this, up yours ABU media:

http://www.thehardtackle.com/index.php/man-united%e2%80%99s-corner-scot-ferguson-vs-the-world/

Kings March 11, 2011

Massively missed him. A top drawer player - gives us strength and pace on the flanks, just like Kanchelskis in his pomp.

wayne March 12, 2011

yes we have missed tony v alot top player

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Fergie: We've Missed Valencia

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