Antonio Valencia: I’m saddened with Manchester United’s poor season

Manchester United forward Antonio Valencia has admitted he is saddened with his side’s current campaign banked on the situation that they are now competing for a top four finish rather than the Premier League title.

The Red Devils have been poor for the better part of the campaign and they sit fifth in the table, one point behind fourth-placed Manchester City.

United, who are currently 16 points behind surprise league leaders Leicester City, have seven games remaining and will be facing second-placed Tottenham Hotspurs on Sunday.

The Colombian, who recently returned to fitness following a prolonged absence due to an ankle injury suffered last year, acknowledges United have under-achieved in the Premier League this season.

He told MUTV: “It will be interesting (against Spurs) but a little bit sad in a way because we feel that we should be fighting for the title itself. But we have to make sure we keep on this winning run in order to achieve what we need to.

“We know how important historically the Champions League is here, how happy it would make the fans to qualify for that competition again for next season. So the main battle is to get back into that top four.

“It’ll be exciting for us as we’re playing for our place in the Champions League next season. And when you’re playing against opponents who are challenging for the title, in the shape of Tottenham and Leicester, they are going to be big fixtures.”