Manchester United 2-1 Sampdoria: 5 talking points

#2 Valencia link-up play will be important

Valencia has it in him to become the best right back in England over the coming nine months

Antonio Valencia is undoubtedly one of the most versatile players in the modern game, and his output against the Italians in Dublin was also a reminder that he is one of the most industrious.

Powering up and down the left flank all evening long, United’s captain proved to be a lopsided focal point that worked wonders in moving their attacks forward. Providing a target for Paul Pogba to hit cross-field passes to, he also linked up neatly with Andreas Perreira a few times.

While he instigated the move that led to the opening goal, perhaps most pleasing of all was his interchanges with Romelu Lukaku.

In the 24th minute, Valencia played a sharp long ball down the flank for the Belgian international to chase before he turned, cut-in and fired a shot on goal that flew narrowly wide. Then, in the 33rd minute they were at it again, forcing Marco Giampaolo’s men to track back and snuff out the danger with some last-gasp challenges.

Indeed, it was Valencia who was involved in a United move seconds before Sampdoria equalised but the strike was ruled offside; the Ecuadorian crossed for Marouane Fellaini to control before the towering Belgian touched on for Herrera to slot into the back of the net – but it was correctly flagged for offside.

Valencia has it in him to become the best right back in England over the coming nine months. We all know he has it in his locker to contribute to a stellar United career and be the talisman he needs, so it’s going to be exciting watching him try.