We could have won the title without Van Persie – Valencia

Manchester United winger, Antonio Valencia, has insisted that the Red Devils would have lifted their 20th League title this season, even if Robin van Persie did not join the club from Arsenal last summer.

United lost the title to rivals City on the last day of the 2011/2012 season and Valencia says that the desire to win it back, would have been enough for Sir Alex Ferguson’s men.

“Destiny is a funny thing,” the Ecuador international said.

“We had so much determination at the start of the season because we wanted to make up for last year and win the title.

“So whilst you can’t doubt what Robin has added, we may have done it without him.

“But Robin has great ability, huge skill levels and can almost solve any problem he comes up against. As a winger it is a joy to play and work alongside him.”

Valencia emerged as United’s Player of the Year last season, but says his performances this campaign have been below par.

“If you make a comparison with the previous season it wasn’t quite what I was hoping for. I have maybe not been able to recreate the form of last year,” he added.

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