Former Manchester United star Antonio Valencia has offered advice to new manager Michael Carrick on how to handle one of his star players. Valencia, who played alongside Carrick at Old Trafford, believes Amad Diallo can shine under Carrick's guidance if deployed as a right-back.
Valencia's Praise for Amad Diallo
Valencia, now a pundit for Telemundo Deportes, lavished praise on the 23-year-old Ivory Coast international ahead of Ecuador's World Cup opener. He told Hajper: "I like what Amad is doing as a right-sided defender. He is a strong player, and he tries to attack with a lot of intelligence. As the years have gone by, he has kept improving his way of playing. Now, under Carrick, I think it can be a very good season for him."
Valencia added: "He is a player who is very passionate about Manchester [United]. He has been at the club for a long time and those are the kinds of players [they] need."
Amad's Impact at the World Cup
Valencia's faith was vindicated when Amad came off the bench to score a dramatic late winner for Ivory Coast against Ecuador in their Group E match. The United forward settled the contest with a 90th-minute goal, despite Ecuador hitting the woodwork three times.
Support for Michael Carrick
Valencia also shared a message of support for Carrick, who was formally appointed as permanent United manager last month after guiding the club to a third-place Premier League finish and Champions League qualification. "I sent him a message wishing him success," Valencia said. "Carrick is someone I respect and care about a lot. I wished him success as a coach, and I think it has gone well for him. Things have worked out and it makes me happy that he is going into another season on the bench."
Valencia Open to Return
When asked about potentially joining Carrick's coaching staff, Valencia replied: "Yes, I would go back. Manchester United is a club that gave me so much. My family was very happy there. I would work for Manchester United in any role, out of passion. It is a club I love a lot."
