Jose Mourinho is preparing for the Europa League final (Picture: Getty)

Manchester United manager Jose Mourinho is reportedly set to hand Antonio Valencia the captain’s armband for the Europa League final against Ajax on Wednesday.

The Red Devils are preparing for one of their biggest games of the season, with silverware and a place in next season’s Champions League at stake.

However, Mourinho looks set to leave experienced duo Wayne Rooney and Michael Carrick on the bench in Stockholm, leaving Valencia as next in line to skipper the side.

Antonio Valencia is reportedly set to take the armband (Picture: Getty)
These two could be on the bench for United against Ajax (Picture: Getty)

Valencia also captained United for both legs of the semi-final against Celta Vigo, and the Daily Mirror claim he’s been chosen again ahead of a number of other big names.

Players like Ander Herrera and Chris Smalling have been trusted with the captaincy at points this season, but Valencia has surprisingly emerged as one of Mourinho’s most trusted players.

The Portuguese sang his praises earlier in the season, saying: ‘I just think he is the best right-back you can have. There is no better right-back in football.’

Having started out as a winger at Old Trafford, the 31-year-old has shone since his move into defence this term and has led by example despite not standing out as a natural captain figure.

Manchester United's remaining fixtures

Crystal Palace (H) - Sun 21 May
Ajax - Europa League (N) - Wed 24 May

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