Much of the discussion around Manchester United this season has revolved around full-backs, but mainly on the lef flank.

Luke Shaw has been in and out of the starting eleven and consequently, the headlines, while Ashley Young has taken advantage to stake a surprising claim to be England’s starting left-back in this summer’s World Cup.

On the other side, there has been relative tranquility. While Young is still undergoing his transition into a full-back, Antonio Valencia made the switch years ago and has been United’s undisputed first-choice right-back since Rafael left the club in August 2015.

The former Wigan man has seen off competition from Matteo Darmian on the right of Jose Mourinho’s defence and has worn the captain’s armband for much of the season, in the absence of Michael Carrick.

With Carrick retiring at the end of the season, Valencia might hope to be named skipper on a full-time basis but one man who doubts whether he should even be in the side is former United right-back Paul Parker.

Parker, speaking exclusively to 888Sport, said:

“Valencia has been steady, that’s all I will say. Offensive play isn’t really his strength and the same can be same for all of the full-backs at Manchester United. How the world is now with full-backs, I don’t think there are many teams who would play him as a right-back.”

Read the full 888sport interview with Paul Parker, including his prediction for the Manchester Derby this weekend.

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