Antonio Valencia claims his absence from the Manchester United first-team is down to being dropped by Jose Mourinho.
The United manager suggested earlier this month that the club captain was injured and not fit enough to play.
But, while on international duty with Ecuador, the veteran defender claims his lack of minutes is down solely to his club boss.
'Right now I haven't been playing, but it's more of a tactical decision,' he told Area Deportiva in his homeland.
'The player who has been in my place (Young) has been playing well. You have to respect the decision.'
Valencia has not featured since the goalless draw with Valencia at the start of October.
He appeared to criticise Mourinho after the stalemate when he liked an Instagram post calling for the manager to leave Old Trafford.
But the 33-year-old is determined to prove his worth and force his way back into first-team contention when he returns to club duties.
'The only thing I can do is prepare and be ready for when he (Mourinho) needs me and be in the right condition to compete', he continued.
I'm calm right now and I know I'll get an opportunity to play again. The relationship with Mourinho has always been a good one.'
Valencia scored the opening goal in Ecuador's 2-0 friendly win over Peru on Thursday night.