Antonio Valencia: 'Injuries have held me back'

Manchester United winger Antonio Valencia has admitted that injuries have prevented him from reaching top form this season.

Despite making 30 appearances, Valencia has struggled to reach the heights of last season, which saw him named United's Player of the Year.

The Ecuadorian international has conceded that recovering from hip and ankle injuries has taken longer than he initially expected.

He told The Mirror: "It's not been quite the season I would have hoped for on a personal front.

"I think the injuries I've had have held me back a bit. I still get the odd twinge from the last injury I had to my leg and that has perhaps affected my progress slightly.

"I hope to get the chance to be involved in as many games as possible. If I'm picked I'm determined to grab my opportunities and do my best for my teammates, the manager and the fans."

The 27-year-old has yet to score for United this season.