Man Utd history-maker Antonio Valencia bids farewell to the club

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Manchester United captain Antonio Valencia has confirmed he will be leaving the club at the end of the season after 10 years at Old Trafford.

Valencia’s contract expires this summer and United caretaker manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer had recently expressed his doubts on whether a new deal would be signed.

Why have Man Utd let Valencia run his contract down? Five key things to know…

  1. Previously a winger, Valencia has settled at right-back in recent years and has been a consistent performer for United.
  2. His longevity and leadership skills saw Jose Mourinho name Valencia club captain last summer.
  3. However, injuries and sporadic performances have seen Valencia’s game time reduced this season.
  4. And the Ecuadorian has now confirmed he will be leaving Manchester United when his contract runs out in the summer.
  5. Valencia was the first non-European player to make 300 appearances for Manchester United.

It is believed United had until 5pm on Friday to trigger a one-year extension in Valencia’s contract, with some losing hope as the time ticked over.

In his press conference ahead of Saturday’s clash with Southampton, Solskjaer strongly suggested the club would not be offering Valencia a new deal.

“He’s still not 100% fit, still working to get back fit and he’s had a fantastic career here at Manchester United and England,” Solskjaer told reporters.

“He is one of the Premier League winners left in the dressing room but I’m not sure if Manchester United and Antonio will agree on the next year so it depends if he gets back on the pitch in the next few months.

“But he’s the captain, a great servant to the club, so hopefully I can get him on the pitch and show what he can do.”

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And this news was confirmed by Valencia himself via his social media accounts, posting a message to the United fans.

It read: “Lago Agrio is a very humble town in Ecuador. When I was a child, I never imagined travel to Europe.

“Thanks to God for letting me play 10 years in the best club in the world: Manchester United.

“Now I am focused on my recovery so I can end the season playing at Old Trafford!!”

Do Man Utd need a new right-back?

Ashley Young has been playing the majority of games at right-back for United since Solskjaer was appointed.

Like Valencia, Matteo Darmian is out of contract at the end of the season and could leave, so United’s remaining right-backs will be Young and 19-year-old Diogo Dalot.

Whether the Red Devils will enter the market for a new right-sided defender could depend on whether Solskjaer is given the full-time job, or whether Young is still considered a viable regular option.

Young also turns 34 this summer, so United could consider strengthening at right-back.

Manchester United fans give thanks to Valencia

Despite the lateness of the news, Manchester United fans were quick to express their appreciation towards Valencia as he embarks on the final few months of his Old Trafford career.

The post Man Utd history-maker Antonio Valencia bids farewell to the club appeared first on Squawka News.



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