Mourinho reveals he tried to sign Valencia at Real

Joe Williams

Jose Mourinho has revealed that Manchester United rejected his attempts to sign Antonio Valencia when he was manager of Real Madrid.

The Ecuadorian has been arguably the Red Devils’ best player this season during a disappointing start to their Premier League campaign that sees them in sixth position.

And Mourinho has claimed that he always knew Valencia could be “phenomenal” at right-back, hence why he tried to buy him while in charge of La Liga giants Real Madrid.

“I tried to sign Antonio a number of years ago, when I was at Madrid,” Mourinho told MUTV. 

“Even though he was not playing right-back at the time, I thought he could be phenomenal in that position. As it was, United told me ‘no chance!’

“I am not surprised by his form this season,” Mourinho continued.

“He has been clean of injuries, save for an operation on his arm which did not keep him out for long, and I have also been able to keep him fresh by resting him in certain Europa League games.

“I think he is the right-back to give us the maximum we can in terms of our attacking football.”