Manchester United have enjoyed a brilliant few weeks having put together six straight league wins leaving them within touching distance of qualifying for next season’s Champions League.

Impressive victories against the likes of Tottenham, Liverpool and most recently Manchester City have really transformed the sense of optimism around Old Trafford, and once again it looks like United are becoming a force to be reckoned with.

And while it’s taken some time; Louis van Gaal finally seems to have found a team and a system to match any side in the division, and one that has proved hugely successful recently with a few names somewhat surprisingly playing an instrumental role in the club’s fine run of form. And one such player who is flourishing under the Dutchman is Antonio Valencia.

Primarily a right midfielder, the Ecuadorian is now playing a key part in United’s back four and has been doing so for much of the season keeping Rafael on the sidelines.

Quick, strong and able to show plenty of quality and composure when in possession, Valencia has all the qualities Van Gaal requires and it’s no surprise to see him remain the first choice this season after some assured displays.

The 29-year-old has made some vital interceptions, blocks and tackles over the past few games to highlight his efficiency in defence, and his experience as a winger is also extremely useful when his side are attacking as he’s equally adept at committing defenders and delivering dangerous crosses.

[ad_pod id='ffc-video-small' align='left']

His solid performances have now created a bit of a problem for the United boss who has a difficult decision to make about the right-back position heading into next season.

It’s been well documented that the Red Devils will look to strengthen their defence during the summer, and right-back is one area they are thought to be focusing on. Having been linked with the likes of Nathanial Clyne, Dani Alves and Seamus Coleman among others it would be no surprise if one of the above were to arrive before next season. But is signing a new right-back actually necessary? Given the way Valencia is playing you’d have to feel it’s not really a priority anymore.

Yes they could probably do with a player who is seen as an out-and-out right sided defender, particularly in the long-term, but it would be unfair and undeserved were Valencia to lose his place as a result.

Having helped United to get to where they are right now, it’s not the worst idea to persist with the South American and forget about signing a replacement for the time being. With Rafael a more than able back-up they aren’t short of options to should Valencia get injured, and Phil Jones and Chris Smalling could even fill in if required.

He has shown more than enough over the past two months to show he can be trusted as part of the back four, and he’s quashed any theory that he could be a potential week link in the side.

United do however run the risk of missing out on their targets if they fail to make a move this summer. With the likes of Clyne and Coleman in particular; now could be the best time to try and secure a deal before they either lose them to a rival team or the asking price increases any further.

Whether or not United bring in a new man remains to be seen, but were they to miss out or even decide against bringing in a player to take over at right-back on a permanent basis this summer; it certainly wouldn't be a problem because their stand in is showing he is more than capable of doing the job.

[ad_pod id='ricco' align='center']