Manchester United star Antonio Valencia contradicts Jose Mourinho over why he’s not playing
United manager claimed he was injured but the Ecuadorian played and scored for his country on Thursday night
Antonio Valencia has been dropped by Jose Mourinho according to the Ecuadorian right-back.
Valencia has not played for Manchester United since their 0-0 Champions League draw with Valencia on October 2.
The former Wigan man recently found himself in hot water when he liked an Instagram post calling for Mourinho to be sacked.
Although his initial omission coincided with the incident, Mourinho insisted it was injury related.
Ahead of their recent victory at Bournemouth the Portuguese claimed that surgery problems and a lack of fitness meant the 33-year-old could not train with the team.
Mourinho said: "He is injured and can't train with the team. He was working really hard - but without the ball and without the team. He's not ready."
Despite his manager's comments, Valencia played 80 minutes for Ecuador in their victory against Peru on Thursday night.
The right-back also opened the scoring in his country's 2-0 win and afterwards revealed why he has not been playing for United.
He spoke to Area Deportiva and said: " Right now I haven’t been playing, but it’s more of a tactical decision.
"The player who has been in my place (Ashley Young) has been playing well. You have to respect the decision."
Young is reportedly a January target for Roma which could open the door for Valencia's return to the team.
Valencia however, is not worried adding: “The only thing I can do is prepare and be ready for when he (Mourinho) needs me and be in the right condition to compete.
"I’m calm right now and I know I’ll get an opportunity to play again.
"The relationship with Mourinho has always been a good one."
Valencia will return to Manchester to fight for his place before United host Crystal Palace on November 24.
This means he will miss Ecuador's next match against Panama, a decision Valencia made himself.
He explained: "I told the coach that I can only play with Peru, with Panama the recovery time is smaller and I asked him to let me go to the club."
This latest incident will raise more questions over Valencia's future with the Ecuadorian free to sign a pre-contract with another club as early as March.