Manchester United manager Louis van Gaal has confirmed that Antonio Valencia will be his number one right-back next season.

It had been anticipated that the newly-signed Matteo Darmian would take on that role from the Ecuadorian, who has spent the majority of his career at Old Trafford as a winger.

However, during a press conference in the USA, Van Gaal revealed that Darmian has initially arrived as a back-up option to Valencia.

"We have brought Darmian for the second [right-back] position behind Valencia," said the United boss.

An ankle injury for Valencia has ruled him out of United's upcoming pre-season friendly against the San Jose Earthquakes.