Man Utd Transfers: 5 Flops Who Must Be Ditched In January

2. Antonio Valencia

It was with a heavy heart that I put Antonio Valencia on this list. Unlike the other flops I have mentioned here, the Ecuadorian's recent poor form can be attributed to a horror leg break against Rangers in September 2010. And, just as Alan Smith did when he broke his leg against Liverpool in February 2006, Valencia has returned from the sidelines a shadow of his former self. The blistering speed of which he was once accustomed with has slacked, and you have to wonder if he'd still be getting in the side if United had a decent enough alternative in his position. One of the poorest No. 7s in United's history, which is perhaps a somewhat harsh assessment given there have been so many legendary ones, the changing of his shirt number back to 25 this season was surely psychological. Compared with some of the greats in the wide areas down the years, Valencia doesn't stack up. It's a shame, because prior to his injury three years ago, he perhaps could have gone on to emulate those greats who have donned the famous shirt number. Sadly, though, this is a case of what could have been, but never was.