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Antonio Valencia limps off injured for Manchester United with apparent calf problem just seven minutes into San Jose friendly

Manchester United captain lasted just seven minutes of the friendly in Santa Clara on Sunday night

Antonio Valencia limped off with apparent calf injury after just seven minutes

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ANTONIO VALENCIA limped off after just seven minutes in Manchester United's clash with San Jose on Sunday night.

The Manchester United captain suffered a suspected calf problem in a blow for manager Jose Mourinho, however it has since emerged the Ecuadorian was replaced as a precaution.

 Antonio Valencia limped off with apparent calf injury after just seven minutes
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Antonio Valencia limped off with apparent calf injury after just seven minutesCredit: Getty - Contributor

Matteo Darmian came on to replace Valencia early on in Sunday's friendly at Levi's Stadium.

Chris Smalling took the armband for Manchester United while Alexis Sanchez returned to the starting line-up.

Valencia has established himself as the starting right-back under Mourinho for the past two seasons.

He racked up 31 appearances in the Premier League last campaign, as he kept Darmian out of the side.

 Valencia, 32, has been a key player for the Red Devils since joining in 2009
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Valencia, 32, has been a key player for the Red Devils since joining in 2009Credit: Getty - Contributor
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 Former Wigan ace Valencia lasted just seven minutes against San Jose
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Former Wigan ace Valencia lasted just seven minutes against San JoseCredit: Getty - Contributor

But his place in the starting XI could be under threat following the signing of young full-back Diogo Dalot from Porto.

However, the young Portuguese youngster is believed to be out until September, while Darmian has been widely tipped to move back to Italy.

The 28-year-old's agent has held talks with Juventus, while Napoli president Aurelio De Laurentiis has revealed he is keen on signing him.

United kick off the Premier League season against Leicester on Friday, August 10, with Mourinho possibly having to dip in the transfer marker to bolster his back line.

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