Manchester United captain Antonio Valencia has revealed that the form of Ashley Young has prevented him from playing more in recent weeks.

Jose Mourinho had told reporters that the player had been absent due to mouth surgery but the Ecuadorian has confirmed he is now fit and has not been selected due to a “tactical decision” from the manager:

“The relationship with Mourinho has always been a good one. Right now I haven’t been playing, but it’s more of a tactical decision. The player who has been in my place (Young) has been playing well. You have to respect the decision.”

“The only thing I can do is prepare and be ready for when he (Mourinho) needs me and be in the right condition to compete. I’m calm right now and I know I’ll get an opportunity to play again.”

Valencia started and scored in a 2-0 win over Peru in a friendly on Thursday evening, and will likely feature against Panama on Tuesday night.

United face Crystal Palace on Saturday afternoon, and the long distance travel may mean that the 33-year-old won’t be ready to start the match.

With Young having been not been picked for the latest England squad, he will be fully rested for the game against the Eagles, and will likely be selected in the starting eleven once again.

Valencia will at least be hoping to make it back onto the substitutes bench. Due to injuries and tactical decisions he hasn’t played for United since the beginning of October.