Copa America 2019: Uruguay 4-0 Ecuador - Three talking points

Uruguay thrash 10-man Ecuador in a lopsided affair
Uruguay thrash 10-man Ecuador in a lopsided affair

#3 Antonio Valencia shows why Manchester United gave him the cold shoulder

Valencia is past his best
Valencia is past his best

The former Red Devils skipper was left out in the cold for a vast majority of last season, first by Jose Mourinho and then by Ole Gunnar Solskjaer as he started only five Premier League games in all. Injuries didn't help his cause either.

This prompted the 33-year old to announce his departure from the club while Manchester United also refused to trigger an option in his contract that could have extended his stay.

With today's abject performance, Valencia showed why.

Operating from a rather right-wing position than his usual right-back role at United, he was virtually non-existent in the attack. Sloppy in possession and labored in his passes, Valencia was also well off the pace. He was the primary reason why Ecuador's attack was so easily nipped in the bud by Uruguay.

The departing Manchester United fullback offered virtually nothing in the attack: zero shots attempted. However, he did make eight aerial duels on the night and lost three duels. However, this statistic did not have impact on the result.

Whether it is the lack of game time or simply the inability to adapt to a more attacking role, Valencia looked desperately out of depth. Unfortunately, it wouldn't be too far-fetched to suggest he's past his prime.

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