Early knockouts inspiring United

Antonio Valencia says Manchester United’s shock exits from the Champions League and Carling Cup have inspired the players to improve.

The Red Devils failed to progress from Group C of the top European competition, losing out to Benfica and Basel, while Championship side Crystal Palace dumped them out of the domestic cup in November.

However, they have enjoyed an upswing in form of late, with consecutive 5-0 wins in the Premier League.

“Those defeats have really focused our minds,” Valencia said.

“I suppose both results were unexpected, certainly the defeat in the League Cup was a huge shock.”

“The biggest blow is the Champions League because we’re a big club and we’re expected to be fighting to win the competition, not just qualify from the group.”

“We reached the final last season and it hurts to go out so early but we’re using that hurt.”

“The group now tries harder in training and we’re going into games with a determined attitude because we’ve got to win something, whether it is the Premier League, Europa League or FA Cup. We have to make sure we are involved in those trophies and we have a renewed focus.”

“The important thing is that we keep on picking up points and building the momentum.”

Some observers have suggested that the key factors behind United’s recent improvement has been the form of forward Wayne Rooney and that of Valencia himself, but the Ecuador international played down the individual praise.

“It’s not just Wayne and myself, it’s more a case that as a squad we bring the best out of each other. We all push in the same direction to help each other,” the 26-year-old said.

“Wayne’s been at a good level all season, really on top form and he’s showing how valuable he is.”

“Wayne gives the ball quickly, so it gives you the chance to be quicker and act sharper yourself.”

Having won their last four Premier League matches since dropping out of the Champions League, scoring 16 goals and conceding just one in that time, United now prepare to face struggling Blackburn at home on December 31.