Soccer

Manchester United extend Antonio Valencia’s contract to 2018

The 31-year-old has been Jose Mourinho’s first-choice right-back all season

Manchester United have triggered a one-year extension in Antonio Valencia’s contract. Photo: Martin Rickett/PA Wire

Tue Jan 17 2017 - 13:34

Antonio Valencia will remain at Manchester United until 2018 after the club triggered the one-year extension clause in his contract.

The 31-year-old has become a key player at Old Trafford since joining from Wigan in 2009.

Valencia has established himself as Jose Mourinho’s first-choice right-back and now been rewarded with an extended stay at United.

United last week announced they had triggered the extension clause in midfielder Marouane Fellaini’s contract.

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Valencia has made 23 appearances for United this term under Mourinho, who attempted to bring him to Real Madrid during his time in Spain.

“I tried to sign Antonio a number of years ago, when I was at Madrid,” Mourinho told MUTV in November.

“Even though he was not playing right-back at the time, I thought he could be phenomenal in that position. As it was, United told me ‘no chance!”’

He added: “I am not surprised by his form this season.

“He has been clean of injuries, save for an operation on his arm which did not keep him out for long, and I have also been able to keep him fresh by resting him in certain Europa League games.

“I think he is the right-back to give us the maximum we can in terms of our attacking football.”

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