José Mourinho has worked miracles in the eyes of some Manchester United fans this season by turning Antonio Valencia back into one of the club’s most important first-teamers.
The former Wigan man had looked to be on the wane before Mourinho’s arrival, but has cemented his place in the starting line-up and started to show some of his best ever form in a United shirt.
But Valencia playing well consistently is one thing. Valencia using his left foot is another altogether.
I fail to see how top teams take on players who are so one-footed. Even I am comfortable shooting with my left foot #Valencia
— Sam Parker (@SmParker8) March 26, 2012
Valencia so amusingly one-footed.
— manutd23 (@manutd24) April 15, 2012
Michael Owen has just described Jose Enrique as the "most one-footed player I've seen". Owen played with Antonio Valencia…
— Liam Apicella (@liamapicella) August 17, 2013
I think Valencia is great, but calling him one-footed is like saying The Elephant Man needed face cream. He moves like a shopping trolley
— Huw Davies (@thehuwdavies) December 1, 2013
https://twitter.com/UtdRantcast/status/728930759365529600
https://twitter.com/Mladenovic_/status/433713146000580609
The Ecuador international was signed by Sir Alex Ferguson back in 2009 and – at a guess – has used his left foot seven times since then.
But that changed in United’s EFL Cup semi-final first-leg against Hull City, when he trusted his weaker peg (can you even call it ‘weaker’ when it probably comes third in the ranking of his two legs?) not once but twice.
VALENCIA JUST USED HIS LEFT FOOT
— Si Lloyd (@SmnLlyd5) January 10, 2017
AND AGAIN
— Si Lloyd (@SmnLlyd5) January 10, 2017
It was the most surprising thing to happen in a Manchester United game since Rui Faria snuck Bastian Schweinsteiger onto the pitch while Mourinho wasn’t looking, and people are still coming to terms with the momentous occasion.
Pogba so stunned by Tony V putting in a dream of a cross with his left peg that he forgot to try and head it
— Nick (@ManUnitedYouth) January 10, 2017
Antonio Valencia just crossed with his left foot. And it was all right. Not sure which is more surprising.
— Rob Dawson (@RobDawsonESPN) January 10, 2017
https://twitter.com/DinhoRebranded/status/818921014650425344
https://twitter.com/Patron375/status/818924000395096064
For his next trick, Mourinho will get Marcos Rojo to perfectly time a tackle while staying on his feet. Hey, we can dream.
