FOOTBALL NEWS

30/04/2016 08:04, Report by Mark Froggatt

Valencia inspired by United's Wembley win

Antonio Valencia feels his Manchester United team-mates have been boosted by last weekend's Emirates FA Cup semi-final success at Wembley Stadium and the Ecuadorian hopes to harness that feel-good factor against Leicester City at Old Trafford on Sunday.
The Reds secured an entertaining 2-1 win over Everton last Saturday to book a place in the showpiece finale against Crystal Palace on 21 May. There are four important Barclays Premier League matches left to play before then, however, with a place in the top four still up for grabs.
Victory over Leicester will not come easily because Claudio Ranieri's men will win the title if they secure three points at Old Trafford. But in an exclusive interview with Sunday’s edition of United Review, the matchday programme, Valencia reveals spirits are up within the United squad.
“There’s a good feeling in the air,” he says. “We’re happy and motivated by the win. It was a really important result for the team and it was well deserved – a good day’s work. We were really happy in the dressing room. Celebrating, congratulating Anthony, patting each other on the back about the excellent work... there was just a big buzz, and we were laughing around because we’d done it.”
Louis van Gaal’s men are competing with Manchester City, Arsenal and even West Ham United to secure that top-four finish and qualification to next season’s UEFA Champions League. Asked if he is confident of achieving that ambition, Valencia delivers an optimistic and honest answer.
“Let’s hope so!” the Ecuadorian says. “We hope we can make it. I think the fans would love it and we’re fighting hard to qualify for the Champions League - I’m desperate to get there. Last week’s win really motivates us; and every game that we play motivates us and drives us on to get there.
“They’ve had a great season and have proved themselves in all of their games. Let’s hope they’re not that consistent when they play us at Old Trafford. It’s going to be a great game. Above all, let’s hope it’s a victorious game for us. They’re fighting to win the title; we’re going for the top four. We’re hoping to get what we want from the game.”
At the very close of Sunday’s programme interview, Valencia is put on the spot when he is asked to choose between Champions League qualification and winning the FA Cup. “That’s tough, that’s really tough! It’s been a while since we won the cup,” he admits.
“But then again, the Champions League is such a great competition to play in. It’s a really difficult one to answer. Personally, I’d hope that we get both. I’m more than convinced we can. We’ve got a great team and with everyone’s hard work, let’s hope it all turns out the way we want.”