10 Man Utd Players Who Should Fear For Their Future

8. Antonio Valencia

Antonio Valencia is a bit like a newer episode of €˜The Simpsons€™. In his pomp, he was beloved by all - even worshipped by a certain section of his following - but for the last few years, there has been a noticeable decline in his performances, effectively erasing and undoing all of his earlier work. A masterstroke signing in 2009, Valencia was signed as to keep expectations down. Cristiano Ronaldo, arguably the world€™s finest player, had just been sold to Real Madrid - the only player that could possibly live up to expectations and fill his boots at Old Trafford would be Lionel Messi. So by signing an Ecuadorian international from Wigan Athletic, Ferguson was embracing the €˜underwhelming€™ nature of his new €˜number seven€™, allowing Valencia the freedom to prove his naysayers and doubters wrong. It€™s five years later, however, and while Ronaldo has scaled new heights, his faux-replacement is a mere shadow of the powerhouse that endeared himself to the Old Trafford faithful for his tireless work ethic and pinpoint crossing. With the arrivals of further attacking options, it would appear that his days appear to be numbered, with only semblance of game-time coming as an emergency right-back these days. Having been restricted to just four league starts this season, it looks like this Manchester United servant could finally be shown the door after over half a decade of service.