Antonio Valencia to be rested by Manchester United boss Jose Mourinho amid burnout fears
The Ecuadorian right-back, 32, has developed into one of United's key men after his superb displays last season
ANTONIO VALENCIA is reportedly set to be rested for a number of Manchester United games this season.
The Ecuadorian right-back, 32, has developed into one of United's key men after his superb displays last season.
As United neared their Europa League final last season, Mourinho protected Valencia by starting him in just four of ten games.
The report suggests that United's data analysts were worried about a drop in Valencia's stats towards the end of United's gruelling 64-match campaign.
Valencia has played every minute of United's opening seven league matches this season and worn the skipper's armband with club captain Michael Carrick out of the reckoning.
But he was left on the bench for the Champions League win over Basel on September 12.
And he was not even named as a substitute for the European clash against CSKA Moscow last Wednesday.
Mourinho will be hoping Valencia comes back from the international break in tip-top shape.
Ecuador's hopes of World Cup qualification hang by a thread ahead of games against Chile and Argentina.
After facing the latter in Quito on Tuesday, Valencia will jet back 9,000 miles to prepare for United's crunch clash with rivals Liverpool at Saturday lunch time.