Manchester United officially invites fans to participate in the discussion and choose which former Manchester United player is most suitable for the role of modern wing-back.
In the 10-person candidate list, the fans who voted gave their opinions, and the results were very clear. So far, Antonio Valencia has been recognized for this position with 32% of the votes.
The Ecuadorian player was a winger when he joined from Wigan Athletic and shoulders the huge responsibility of filling the vacancy left by Ronaldo's high-priced move to Real Madrid. Valencia quickly rose to prominence at Old Trafford, being named in the PFA Team of the Year at the end of his first season and winning a Premier League winners' medal in 2010/11. The following season, he was named the Matt Busby Player of the Year. After occasional cameos in a defensive role, the arrival of Louis van Gaal saw him permanently transformed into a right-back or right wing-back.
Valencia is known for its powerful running ability, capable of performing well in both offense and defense, using its strength and endurance to achieve significant results. It is therefore no surprise that he is considered the best fit for the modern wing-back position in Ruben Amorim's system.
Patrice Evra, who often partners with Valencia on the opposite wing, ranked second with 20% of the votes. The Frenchman is recognized for his attacking prowess and his pace and tenacity are key assets in the wing-back position.
Ryan Giggs ranked third with 17% of the votes. The most decorated player in Premier League history, Giggs was known early on for his outstanding attacking prowess. Although his style of play has changed significantly over time, he can still be an aggressive wing-back option and is capable of tracking back and making fantastic sliding tackles.
