Valencia Happy To Extend Deal

Manchester United have confirmed a clause has been triggered to extend Antonio Valencia’s contract by one year, keeping the experienced Ecuadorian at Old Trafford until at least June 2018.

Valencia has made 271 appearances, scored 21 goals and won six trophies since joining from Wigan Athletic in 2009. He also claimed a hat-trick of individual awards in the 2011/12 season when voted the Fans’ and Players’ Player of the Year, while also winning the club’s Goal of the Season prize.

The 31-year-old has become a vital member of Jose Mourinho’s team by starting 23 matches in all competitions this campaign, enhancing his reputation as one of the finest right-backs around. In recognition of his top form, he was even voted United’s Player of the Month for November by the fans.

Valencia is currently in his eighth season as a Red and this one-year contract extension will take him to the end of the 2017/18 campaign. Using his official Twitter account, Antonio posted: "Another year to give everything for the greatest club in the world @ManUtd. Happy to announce I’ve renew my contract 'til 2018."