UEFA Champions League: Manchester United 4-2 Bayer Leverkusen - five talking points

Antonio Valencia celebrates scoring his team’s fourth goal. (Getty Images)

Valencia shows glimpses of old self

There were periods in the game, especially during the first half, when it looked like Valencia might have brought his bad form from last year back with him. But he managed to endure it all and brought back his Player’s Player of the Year winning form, as he slowly regained his confidence and grew into the match.

As the game went on, he started beating his man and picking his teammates, instead of the opposition. Whilst his cross for van Persie’s goal was slightly behind him, he served up another opportunity, which the Dutchman passed up towards the end of the game. His goal was a result of swift counter-attack and might well give him so much need belief, something his game has been lacking for quite some time now.