Manchester United boss Jose Mourinho has revealed that he tried to bring Antonio Valencia to Real Madrid when the Portuguese was in charge of the Spanish giants.

Valencia, 31, has arguably been Man United's most consistent performer this season, with the former Wigan Athletic midfielder impressing at right-back for the 20-time English champions.

Mourinho, however, has claimed that the Ecuador international would have been playing for Real Madrid between the years of 2010 and 2013 if he had had his way.

"I tried to sign Antonio a number of years ago, when I was at Madrid," Mourinho told MUTV. "Even though he was not playing right-back at the time, I thought he could be phenomenal in that position. As it was, United told me 'no chance!'"

Valencia was part of the Man United team that recorded a 4-0 win over Feyenoord in the Europa League on Thursday night.