Blow for Manchester United as Antonio Valencia injury leaves Jose Mourinho short on right-back options

Manchester United’s preseason plans have been hit by a further setback after captain Antonio Valencia limped out of the club’s 0-0 draw with San Jose Earthquakes with a calf injury.

The 32-year-old, who was confirmed by manager Jose Mourinho as the man to take the armband on a permanent basis following Michael Carrick’s retirement, lasted only seven minutes at the Levi’s Stadium before he was replaced by Matteo Darmian.

United are yet to disclose any information on the injury but it does leave them very short at right-back, with new signing Diogo Dalot not expected to be fit until September and Darmian himself linked with a move back to Serie A, with Juventus and Napoli both interested.

However, should Valencia’s injury be worse than anticipated, Darmian’s move may have to be put on hold as he is currently the only fit senior right-back the club have Manchester United have available to them.

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Timothy Fosu-Mensah is another option should Mourinho look to the younger members of his squad having impressed at Crystal Palace last season, but it will be yet another piece of unwelcome news on a tough tour of the United States so far.