Antonio Valencia has heaped praise on Jose Mourinho, insisting the Portuguese manager is one of the main reasons behind his top form in 2016-17.
Ecuador international Valencia has emerged as one of the first names on Mourinho's teamsheet, making the right-back spot his own with his impressive performances this season.
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Indeed, the 31-year-old's form has seen him claim two of the last three player of the month awards at the club, and he has played a key role in United's league form that has seen them go 15 matches unbeaten.
Valencia claimed an assist to help his side defeat Leicester City 3-0 in their last game and the full-back is in no doubt that Mourinho has played a key role in developing him as a player.
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He told the club's official website: "I think, when you are playing with confidence, you do things differently. I have to thank the manager in that respect for the backing he has given me.
"I thank him for his kind words and it’s definitely an extra motivation. I'm working very hard for sure.
"When I arrived at the club, my goal was to try to stay here and remain in the team as long as I could and win trophies along the way.
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"Also to always focus my mind on training hard and getting plenty of rest in order to be able to stay at United for a long time.
"So far this season, things have been going really well for me and, as I said before, it’s the backing of the manager that has given me a real confidence boost."
United, who are currently sixth in the table, face Watford in the Premier League on Saturday looking to ensure they remain in the hunt for a top-four finish.