Valencia laments injury problems

Posted Sunday, April 03, 2016 by Foxsports.com

Manchester United midfielder Antonio Valencia insists the team's progress this season has been hindered by the amount of many injuries they've had.

Valencia has made only seven appearances for United this term due to an ankle ligament injury he sustained in October last year.

United are currently sitting sixth in the Premier League standings and are four points adrift of a Champions League qualification spot for next year.

The 30-year-old says it has been difficult for the coach to consistently put together a formidable team when most of the star performers in the team are out injured.

"It has affected the way the manager has had to work," Valencia told Sky Sports News. "Your hands are tied. If you have a squad of 20 players, and 10 are injured, then you are having to work with half a squad.

"It is not just short-term injuries either. You look at Luke Shaw, myself, Wayne Rooney, we have been out for a long period.

"The bad form that we have had in that time has to be down to the amount of injuries that we have had.

"That is bound to affect performances, but now we are getting people back, we need to focus and really fight for the place in the Champions League.

"It is also down to the Premier League, it is a tough league. One week you can play very well, and then the next week you are up against a team you are expected to beat, one that is fighting relegation, and they turn it on."